November 17–23, 2025, marked Safer Gambling Week across the UK and Ireland. The campaign places a strong emphasis on raising awareness of safe play. It highlights support services for players. The outcome of this campaign is expected to last long with all the parties concerned.

Here are the top takeaways and what’s new this year, especially in Ireland.

New Digital Hub Launched by EGBA

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) launched a new central website ahead of this year’s campaign.
The site (at safergambling.eu) features:

  • Help resources, including national helplines. It also has self-exclusion systems across Europe.
  • A full events programme for Safer Gambling Week, covering webinars, workshops, and policy roundtables.
  • Practical safer gambling tips, such as warning signs, setting limits, and breaking harmful habits.

Graphics and campaign materials are available in 27+ languages. It helps reach diverse audiences across Europe.

Ireland’s Regulator Aligns with the Campaign

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was officially launched in 2025. It backs the week’s messaging. One of GRAI’s top priorities from 2025–2027 is consumer protection and awareness. Thus, making Safer Gambling Week a perfect match for its goals. This alignment underscores a push in Ireland to strengthen safer gambling tools and visibility. This effect is commonly observed in most sites that allow you to play blackjack online in Ireland.

Safer Gambling Forum: Key Discussions

On 17 November, the Safer Gambling Forum kicked off. It started with a live virtual event bringing together industry leaders, charities, and regulators.
Topics covered included:

  • Operator safer gambling initiatives
  • Innovations in harm-prevention
  • Challenges in regulation and cross-border cooperation

This forum is part of a broader industry effort to exchange ideas and improve player protections across Europe.

Campaign Themes: Play Smart, Set Limits, Get Help

The 2025 campaign continues with core messages:

  • “Play smart… set your limits” — encourage players to decide on a budget before playing.
  • “Enjoy the game, but know the risks” — gambling should never become a way to make money.
  • “Take a break… don’t chase your losses” — reminding players that safer gambling is about control, not suppression.

Safer Gambling Week seeks to normalize these conversations and make tools more accessible.

Helplines and Support in Ireland

As part of the campaign, the Irish helpline is highlighted heavily: 1800 936 725 is listed on campaign materials. This number connects players to confidential support. The campaign also promotes self-exclusion tools and other limit-setting features.

GRAI’s Strategy: Safer Play Year-Round

GRAI’s 2025–2027 Strategy Statement includes a focus on “Digital First” outreach. Meaning safer gambling tools must be embedded in online platforms. This supports the idea that Safer Gambling Week is not just about one week. It is part of a long-term plan to make safer gambling more visible and more user-friendly for Irish players.

Why the Week Matters in Ireland

  • Awareness: Many players are still unaware of the full range of support services.
  • Stigma reduction: Public messaging helps open up dialogue about gambling harm.
  • Tool adoption: Promoting self-exclusion, deposit limits, and time-outs may increase uptake.
  • Regulatory commitment: GRAI’s backing shows that player protection is central to its mandate.

How to Join In and Help Spread the Word

  • Share safer gambling graphics via social media using #ESGW25.
  • Operators and venues in Ireland can display campaign materials.
  • Players and the public can attend webinars and workshops during the week.

Final Thoughts

Safer Gambling Week 2025 is more than a campaign. It is a moment of real impact in Ireland. With GRAI now active, the drive for safer gambling has both industry and regulatory support. The new EGBA platform and local resources mean help is easier to find. If you gamble, or know someone who does. This week is a reminder. Safer play is not just possible. It is supported.