European Safer Gambling Week 2023: Promoting Responsible Gaming Across Europe
Welcome to the world of safer gambling! Understanding the significance of safeguarding gamblers, EGBA, the European Gaming and Betting Association, is proud to announce the European Safer Gambling Week 2023, a milestone event aimed at promoting responsible gaming across Europe.
With a democratic approach, EGBA strives to ensure that players can enjoy their favorite games while staying safe and protected.
In well-established European markets like Italian, where the rules are widely known, the ongoing need to educate and protect gamblers remains paramount. Even with trusted platforms belonging to the league of the safest online casinos in Italy, such as those presented at Casinohex.it, the broader context of safer gambling initiatives is expanding. This is certainly great, as the need to address potential challenges grows with the popularity and availability of online wagering.
Let us embark on this journey together, fostering a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Empowering Safer Gaming: The European Gaming and Betting Association’s Commitment
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) holds a central position in the gambling industry as a reputable organization. It acts as a unifying force, bringing together stakeholders from top casino sites and the gambling community.
Over the years, EGBA has been dedicated to creating safer gaming environments. They have launched numerous awareness campaigns, engaging both players and industry stakeholders, to foster a culture of responsible gambling. Collaborating closely with the best online casinos and other partners, EGBA has implemented innovative measures like self-exclusion programs, time limits, and reality checks, offering players practical tools to manage their gaming habits effectively.
The Need for Safer Gambling Initiatives
Problem gambling in Europe is a pressing concern, calling for immediate action through safer gambling initiatives. As the ease of access to online casino sites grows, the risks associated with compulsive gambling escalate, impacting individuals and society at large. Excessive betting can lead to financial distress, emotional unrest, and strained relationships while also contributing to social issues.
Addressing this challenge requires collaborative efforts from casino operators, healthcare professionals, community organizations, decision-makers, and regulatory bodies that are part of online gambling regulation in Europe. Promoting responsible gaming, providing support tools, and raising public awareness can effectively reduce the adverse effects of problem gambling.
Uniting for Safer Gambling: The European Safer Gambling Week 2023
The European Safer Gambling Week 2023 is eagerly anticipated, scheduled from the 13th to the 19th of November in 2023. This annual cross-border initiative, masterminded by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), aims to champion safer gaming practices across Europe, even with the allure of bonuses and excitement surrounding the gameplay.
The European Safer Gambling Week 2023 acts as a unified platform for the sector to advocate for a safer gaming experience. This is considered an issue of shared importance and is explained on the EGBA site in detail, highlighting the key aspects and objectives of the initiative. It provides a fantastic opportunity to foster the collaboration of legal casinos and drive positive change in the industry, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Organizing Partners
A significant highlight of this year’s edition, ESGW23 will be organized by a collaboration of 15 prominent online gambling associations in Europe together with renowned safe online casinos. Together, they will orchestrate a diverse range of activities and events across the continent, focused on raising awareness about safer gaming and sharing the latest advancements in regulations and research in this field. These organizing partners include:
- Belgium – BAGO (Belgian Association of Gaming Operators)
- Europe – EGBA (European Gaming and Betting Association)
- Finland – Rahapeliala (Rahapeliala Ry)
- Gibraltar – GBGA (Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association)
- International – IBIA (International Betting Integrity Association)
- Ireland – IBA (Irish Bookmakers Association)
- Latvia – LiAB (Latvian Interactive Gambling Association)
- Malta – iGEN (iGaming Executives Network)
- Netherlands – NOGA (the Netherlands Online Gambling Association)
- Norway – NBO (Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill)
- Portugal – APAJO (Associação Portuguesa de Apostas e Jogos Online)
- Romania – AOJND (Asociația Organizatorilor de Jocuri de Noroc la Distanță)
- Spain – JDigital (Asociación Española de Juego Digital)
- Sweden – BOS (Branschföreningen för Onlinespel)
- United Kingdom – BGC (Betting and Gaming Council)
Promoting a Safe Gambling Environment: Existing Practices
For reputable operators holding a valid license, ensuring a safe environment is a top priority. Several existing safe betting practices have been put in place to protect players. Let’s explore these practices:
1. Self-Exclusion: By voluntarily opting for self-exclusion, individuals can ask casinos to restrict their access to games of chance for a specified period, aiding those seeking to manage their gaming behavior.
2. Deposit Limits: Within a specified timeframe, players can set the maximum amount they can deposit, even while enjoying slot machines. This measure helps prevent excessive spending, promoting responsible payments management.
3. Reality Checks: Regular reality checks during gameplay provide valuable reminders to players about the duration of their gaming sessions. By prompting breaks, reality checks encourage players to make informed decisions.
4. Responsible Gambling Tools: Online platforms equip players with various tools, including session time limits, bet limits, and loss limits. These tools empower players to maintain control over their gaming activities.
5. Customer Service and Support: Responsible operators offer information on responsible gambling practices, self-help tools, and links to organizations providing assistance to those in need.
6. Age Verification: Thorough age verification processes act as a safeguard against underage gambling, protecting vulnerable individuals from potential harm.
7. Collaborative Research: Data analysis enables stakeholders to identify trends and patterns related to addictive playing, facilitating evidence-based decisions to enhance safer gaming practices.
The European Safer Gambling Week 2023 aims to be a catalyst for further change, uniting the gambling sector in protection for all players, regardless of their preferred gaming activity, be it video poker, slots, sports betting, or any other form of online game of chance.
The European Safer Gambling Week 2023 stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the gambling industry. By raising awareness, providing support, and implementing effective preventive measures, this initiative paves the way for a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for players across Europe.
Author: Elena Giulia Manzoni
