Every gambling venue in Barry will be taking part in Responsible Gambling Week, from November 7-13, the biggest ever campaign to promote safer gambling.

The #RGWeek19 campaign is led by the Industry Group For Responsible Gambling, in partnership with leading gambling charities, Gamcare and YGam, and the objective is to stimulate a national conversation about safer gambling, highlighting the tools, advice and help available to customers. 

More than 120,000 staff at thousands of gambling venues and online sites are taking part and this year it is also being supported by machine operators, who are opening their networks to promote responsible gambling messages, and in 1,300 pubs run by Punch and Co.

During Responsible Gambling Week, staff from across the entire industry, including arcades, bingo clubs, bookmakers and casinos, will initiate conversations with customers about safer gambling and messaging will be prominently displayed at venues.

Some venues will have dedicated responsible gambling areas where experts will be available to speak to customers and others are organizing special events, including 'take a break sessions', and sponsored fundraising initiatives by staff.

Operators will document their staff's involvement in the campaign and have made an ongoing commitment to invest in staff training, equipping them with the tools to advise customers about safer gambling.

A new website, which can be accessed by clicking the red button at the bottom of the article, has been launched to provide a one-stop information hub for consumers all year round, educating them about all aspects of responsible gambling. 

The National Gambling helpline, 0808 8020 133 is a 24-hour service which helps anyone who has a problem with their gambling. 

John Hagan, chairman of the IGRG, said: 

"We are confident that Responsible Gambling Week, now in its third year, will be our biggest campaign yet, but this is not just about one week in the year, it is about promoting safer gambling all year round.

''We want to make this an open and inclusive conversation, connecting with the widest possible audience, including those who do not think messages about responsible gambling are aimed at them. 

''We want to take the message about safer gambling even further this year, through our own social channels, with the support of our partners inside the industry and beyond".

Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said:

"The week's strapline, 'Let's talk about safer gambling', is an important message not only for customers but also for the staff and industry leaders whose role is to look out for their customers.

''It provides an opportunity for people across the gambling industry, no matter what their role is, to focus on what part they can play to make gambling safer and reduce gambling harms".

Anna Hemmings, chief executive of GamCare, said: 

"Safer gambling is a key priority for GamCare, and we are pleased to support initiatives that promote and extend safer gambling messaging, such as RG Week.

''If anyone has any concerns about their gambling, they will be able to get in touch with us at any time for help and support via the National Gambling Helpline."