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In the run-up to the New Year, we are looking back at what the BGC has done over the past 12 months to drive change and promote #SaferGambling. In January, we welcomed the requirement for all online operators to join @gamstopuk1
In February, we called on the Government to use the Online Harms Bill to crack down on unregulated, black market gambling operators. #SaferGambling
Continuing our look back on the last 12 months, at the start of the first #COVID19 lockdown in March, we published a 10-point action plan setting out the standards expected of our members. They re-affirmed their commitment to the pledges later in the year. #SaferGambling
At the start of the first #COVID19 lockdown, our members voluntarily introduced a ban on all TV and radio gaming product advertising. #SaferGambling
As part of our commitment to #SaferGambling, we are funding the Young People's Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, which is being delivered by @YGAMuk and @GamCare
In June, our five biggest members announced they would spend £100m improving treatment services for problem gambling. #SaferGambling
As the #COVID19 pandemic continued, BGC members pledged that at least 20% of all TV and radio advertising would be safer gambling messages.
The whistle-to-whistle ban, introduced by our members, prevents betting ads being shown from 5 minutes before live TV sport until 5 minutes after, pre-9pm. In its first year, it reduced the number of TV betting commercials seen by children at those times by 97%. #SaferGambling
In September, the BGC unveiled a new code of conduct on the design of online games, including the slowing down of spin speeds, banning several gaming features and improving access to #SaferGambling information.
Our look back on the BGC's year of #SaferGambling reaches October, when new rules came into effect further preventing under-18s seeing online betting ads. They include a requirement that gambling ads appearing on search engines must make clear that they are for those aged 18+.
November saw #SGWeek20, when our industry came together to highlight the work being done on #SaferGambling. BGC chair @BrigidSimmonds said: "Resting on our laurels is not good enough, and why Safer Gambling Week is such a vital initiative whose message needs to continue."
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the 10-pledge Covid action plan backed by our members in March had delivered a huge increase in safer gambling messages in a further boost to industry standards. A fitting end to our year of #SaferGambling.
