Britain & Ireland to celebrate Responsible Gambling Week in November

June 23, 2018 6:00 PM
  • CDC Gaming Reports
June 23, 2018 6:00 PM
  • CDC Gaming Reports

No, it’s not the week everyone in this corner of the world strives (either with a little black book or just within your means) to gamble responsibly, it’s just the week that we are all supposed to contemplate the perils of gambling. Although, since no one knows about this week, it doesn’t matter too much in practice; it’s not like gambling operators are expecting a big drop in play or anything.

Story continues below

A more sober schedule-maker might have opted for the week after the ongoing World Cup, since that’s naturally a sort of hangover/recovery period on betting anyway. (Bear in mind that this is coming from a dedicated poker player who never flutters on sports. Although I did take the $6 of bonus bets Pokerstars handed me, turned it into $8, and cashed out.) That’s one way to be responsible: only play a skill game. Still, they opted for the first week of November in the end, which, to be fair, is a quiet, wintry time here when online gambling may well be on the rise.

This is the first time the event will be held jointly between Great Britain, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Trade associations and representatives from every aspect of the gambling industry will be on hand, including online gaming providers, high street bookmakers, and casinos. This is only the second annual iteration of the event, and already in Ireland alone over 800 bookmakers are involved, as well as the Arcades Association, Horse Racing Ireland and others.

Sharon Byrne of the Irish Bookmakers Association issued a statement in the wake of the announcement, saying, “We are delighted to be partnering with the IGRG and joining their Responsible Gambling Week in November. Following our very successful Responsible Gambling Week here in Ireland last February, it is a logical and progressive step to join forces with the UK campaign.

“This week is about having ‘that conversation’, raising awareness on gambling responsibly, and how to access help or support for those who need it. Merging both campaigns can only help to increase the impact and reach of the campaign and ensure maximum coverage for the week”.

Anything which helps raise the word about the need for a big old push towards more responsible gambling, both in terms of the individual’s capacity and behaviour and in terms of industry action, is very much welcome here in the UK. Let’s wish the week a resounding success.