Safer Gambling Week has won plaudits for its effectiveness as a consumer-facing awareness initiative. The 2025 campaign set new records generating over 80 million impressions across social media platforms. Bacta is proud to once again be supporting the initiative which has secured strong cross-party political support.
Bacta continues to play a leading role in promoting responsible gambling, with the leading trade body for the land-based low-stake gambling entertainment sector joining the Betting and Gaming Council and the Bingo Association in organising and supporting the 2026 Safer Gambling Week (SGW), which will run across 16–22 November.
Now in its tenth year, the campaign is centred on encouraging open conversations and positive action around safer play. November’s programme will once again deliver high-impact messaging, across both land-based venues and online channels, designed to raise awareness as well as highlight the safeguards available within the regulated sector.
Safer Gambling Week has proven its effectiveness as a powerful consumer-facing awareness campaign. In 2025, it achieved record-breaking engagement, generating over 80 million impressions across social media platforms including X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, a significant increase of 40 per cent compared to the previous year.
The campaign has also secured strong political backing, with a record number of MPs and peers from across the political spectrum supporting the initiative. Prominent figures such as Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross, Shadow DCMS Secretary Nigel Huddleston MP, and Shadow Gambling Minister Louie French MP have all endorsed Safer Gambling Week, reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of promoting safer gambling practices.
Over the last decade SGW has developed and grown to become a focal point for engaging staff, customers, and their wider networks in discussions about responsible gambling. It also highlights the range of tools available to help individuals stay in control, including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.
The 2026 campaign will encourage dialogue and direct consumers to the wide range of support that’s available for the small numbers experiencing problems associated with gambling.
SGW organisers point out that unlicensed operators do not provide such safeguards, a fact that underscores the need for a robust and well-regulated industry that prioritises consumer protection.
Bacta President Joseph Cullis emphasised operators’ long-standing and ongoing commitment to player protection. He stated: “Safer Gambling Week shines a spotlight on practices that Bacta members uphold throughout the year. This culture of responsibility is something our members take great pride in.
“Safer Gambling Week clearly demonstrates the regulated sector’s overarching commitment to providing a safe, responsible, and enjoyable gambling entertainment experience for all customers. It sits alongside Bacta initiatives including our enhanced self-exclusion undertakings, our Social Responsibility Code of Conduct and the free to attend SR Exchange which provides practical advice and guidance for consumer-facing staff.”
Safer Gambling Week is jointly organised by Bacta, the Bingo Association and the Betting and Gaming Council, with additional support from a broad range of stakeholders including operators, charities and regulators.
Safety first
Joseph Cullis said.. “Safer Gambling Week shines a spotlight on practices that Bacta members uphold throughout the year. This culture of responsibility is something our members take great pride in…
Originally published on Coinslot on April 13, 2026. Republished with permission.