The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has revealed remarkable results for the fourth annual European Safer Gambling Week, held from November 18th to 24th, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative showcased the gaming industry’s strengthened commitment to promoting safer gambling practices. With record-breaking participation and significant expansion in its geographic reach, the campaign underscored the sector’s growing dedication to responsible gambling.
This year’s campaign marked a significant milestone, as it drew active involvement from 195 partners across 26 countries, reflecting a 20% increase in participation compared to 2023. Among these contributors were eight national gambling authorities, more than double the number that participated last year. These regulatory bodies enhanced the initiative’s visibility by engaging in social media campaigns and contributing to key events that championed safer gambling messages.
The social media campaign component of the week achieved an unprecedented impact, reaching an audience of 3.1 million users. This accomplishment was driven by an impressive 1,169 posts across various platforms, representing a 67% increase in content compared to the previous year. The campaign’s outreach extended to new territories, including Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine, demonstrating its evolving pan-European scope and inclusivity.
One of the key highlights of European Safer Gambling Week was its robust events program, which featured 20 specialized sessions focused on critical issues surrounding safer gambling. These events attracted more than 4,500 registrations and saw attendance from 3,000 participants. Discussions during these gatherings explored pivotal topics, such as the role of artificial intelligence in gambling safety, methodologies for problem gambling prevalence reporting, and the development of innovative tools and messaging to promote responsible play.
The campaign’s growing influence also benefited from increased collaboration with health organizations and industry stakeholders, which facilitated rich and insightful dialogues on the challenges and opportunities in enhancing player safety. By engaging diverse participants, the week fostered a shared commitment to addressing problem gambling and advancing responsible gaming initiatives across Europe.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, expressed his satisfaction with the campaign’s impact. “The significant increase in participation, especially from health organizations and regulatory authorities, demonstrates the common purpose and growing unity in our approach to safer gambling,” Haijer said. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that the campaign successfully reached a record number of Europeans with vital messages aimed at reducing gambling harm. Looking ahead, Haijer highlighted EGBA’s intent to build on this success for future editions of the initiative.
The achievements of European Safer Gambling Week 2024 also reflect EGBA’s year-round commitment to safer gambling practices. In 2023 alone, EGBA members sent over 67 million responsible gaming messages to their European customers, emphasizing their dedication to player protection. This annual initiative serves as a focal point for amplifying these ongoing efforts and strengthening industry-wide collaboration.
The significant participation of regulators, industry players, and health organizations this year not only enhanced the reach of the campaign but also solidified its status as a critical platform for promoting a culture of responsibility and safety within the gaming sector. The inclusion of diverse perspectives in this initiative has been instrumental in driving innovation and advancing shared goals.
As European Safer Gambling Week continues to grow, its success reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of responsible gaming. The campaign’s ability to unite industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities in a common cause highlights the progress being made in addressing gambling-related harm. With this year’s accomplishments as a foundation, EGBA and its partners are well-positioned to expand the initiative’s impact even further in 2025.
The week’s achievements represent more than just numbers—they demonstrate the gaming sector’s evolving commitment to creating safer environments for players. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and player safety, European Safer Gambling Week 2024 has set a new benchmark for responsible gaming initiatives, paving the way for a more sustainable and ethical industry future.
