About European Safer Gambling Week

The European Safer Gambling Week is an annual pan-European initiative organised by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) to raise awareness about safer gambling and reinforce a strong culture of player protection. Established in 2021, the collaborative initiative brings together various stakeholders across Europe’s gambling sector in a common mission to promote safe and sustainable play through sharing tools, resources, and best practices. This year marks the sixth edition of the initiative, now recognised as Europe’s leading platform for safer gambling awareness.

We believe that gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment for the millions of Europeans who regularly participate. That’s why we established this initiative: to ensure players have access to the information, tools, and support they need to stay in control of their gambling. We bring together diverse stakeholders from across Europe’s gambling sector, including individuals with lived experience of gambling harm. Together, we unite around a common mission to promote safe and sustainable play.

The initiative aims to:

  • Raise awareness of safer gambling practices and resources.
  • Share and exchange best practices across the sector.
  • Promote player protection across European markets.
  • Direct players to key support services and resources.
  • Encourage meaningful discussions about developments in regulation and research.

Each edition, partners across Europe’s gambling sector come together for a coordinated week of activity including:

  • Social media campaigns: Players receive safer gambling messages and practical tips in their local languages.
  • Educational events: Conferences, workshops, and webinars that bring together stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices.
  • Player support: Connecting players to local support services and self-help resources in their local languages.
  • Sports and retail activations: Safety messages in local languages shown at televised sports events and in retail betting outlets.

Partners also use the week as an opportunity to launch new initiatives or partnerships that support player protection.

From its inaugural edition in 2021, the initiative has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting the sector’s commitment to player protection.

The 2025 edition achieved:

  • More than 220 participating organisations from 24 European countries.
  • 4.1 million social media users reached with important safety messages.
  • 23 events and online sessions, with 4,000 registrations and 120 speakers.
  • Campaign graphics available in 27 local languages.
  • Safety messages shown during 8 televised football matches in Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, and Italy.
  • Safety messaging displayed in retail betting outlets for the first time.
  • The launch of safergambling.eu, a central hub for helplines, self-exclusion options, and support resources.

This reflects not only rising participation, but a deepening commitment to making player protection the cornerstone of the European gambling sector.

The initiative brings together Europe’s gambling sector including:

  • Operators promoting safer gambling.
  • National gambling regulators overseeing player protection standards.
  • Technology providers developing innovative solutions for safe play.
  • Support organisations helping those affected by gambling harm.
  • Research institutions advancing understanding of gambling behaviours.
  • Trade associations coordinating industry-wide efforts.
  • People with lived experience of gambling harm improving support systems through their insights.

The initiative is guided by core principles:

  • Player protection is a cornerstone of a sustainable sector.
  • Prevention through education is more effective than treating harm after it occurs.
  • Collaboration across the sector produces better outcomes.
  • Safer gambling tools must be accessible, visible, and easy to use.
  • Support services must be available without stigma or barriers.