At the beginning of November every year, the iGaming industry takes time out to focus on Safer Gambling Week. Here in Malta, this has been led by the iGaming industry NGO iGEN with a local focus, concentrating on the work of iGEN members here in Malta.
Thanks to the parameters of pandemic regulations, 2021 has seen Safer Gambling Week in Malta team up with Safer Gambling Week UK and the Safer Gambling Week of the European Gaming and Betting Association, to provide a wealth of engaging and informative content online from right across Europe.
Problem gambling accounts for 0.7% of players (in the UK), according to the Gambling Commission (2020). Contrary to many people’s perception, the iGaming industry takes its players welfare very seriously – citing that an iGaming company’s objectives are to establish a long-term sustainable relationship with its players, and identify and support those demonstrating problem gambling. This differentiates iGaming from land-based gambling, which lacks the opportunity to offer the same level of care.
From 1 to 7 November Safer Gambling Week will present five days of discussions, informed opinions, celebrity messages, personal stories, innovations, visions, guidance, podcasts and interviews, focused on every aspect of Safer Gambling – from what the industry is doing to provide greater player protection and support, to how to identify problem gambling in oneself or a loved one, and much more.
Safer Gambling Week is hosting contributions from: Safer Gambling Week UK, Betting and Gaming Council, European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) Betknowmore UK, GamingMalta, Responsible Gaming Foundation, Malta Gaming Authority, Genesis Global Limited, Internet Vikings, Aspire Global, Betway Group, Kindred Group plc, Betsson Group, Hero Gaming, and Tipico.
If you, or a loved one, are affected by gambling, please call the helpline 1117 – support is available.
To join the action of Safer Gambling Week, please visit www.igenorg.eu/sgw. Follow Why Gaming on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/whyigaming and iGEN on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/igenorg/.