Gambling venues in Shepton Mallet will take part in Responsible Gambling Week, the biggest ever industry-wide campaign to promote responsible gambling.

Responsible Gambling Week runs from November 1-7 and involves every major operator in the UK and Ireland from all five industry sectors, casinos, bookmakers, arcades, bingo and online, and is supported by gambling charities. Staff at gambling venues will discuss with customers, how to keep gambling fun and safe.

The slogan for the week is 'Let's Talk About Responsible Gambling' and responsible gambling messages will be promoted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #RGWeek 18, and at football grounds and racecourses. A dedicated website has been created for the event www.responsiblegamblingweek.org

The event is being organised by The Industry Group For Responsible Gambling and, by coming together as one, operators from every gambling sector are able to promote a common message about the five responsible gambling 'behaviours':

- Only spend what you can afford

- Set your limits for time and money

- Gambling is not the answer to any problem

- Gambling when angry or upset is not a good idea

- Gambling shouldn't interfere with your personal relationships

Customers who need further help or information will be - signposted to GambleAware, an independent charity which funds research, education and treatment, and is supporting Responsible Gambling Week.

Among the activities taking place during the week is a responsible gambling training programme being run by the charity GamCare for teachers, university professionals and community workers who work with younger people.

John Hagan, Chairman of the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling, said:

"Social responsibility is fundamental to the gambling industry's approach, and we are all dedicated, year-round, to promoting responsible gambling, but what makes Responsible Gambling Week special is that the whole industry is united and engaged. We are using the collective networks, venues and staff of all gambling sectors, and our digital channels, to reach a wider audience and raise awareness".

Helen Rhodes, director for safer gambling at The Gambling Commission, said:

"We want to minimise harms from gambling, so we are pleased to see industry collaborating in ways such as this to help consumers stay safe and raise awareness of the risks of gambling. We are particularly pleased that this initiative will be robustly evaluated as that will help identify what really works for consumers."

Anna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, said:

"Responsible Gambling Week is an example of how the whole sector can collaborate to raise awareness about the ways in which people can ensure they stay safe if they would like to gamble. GamCare would like to encourage people to have more conversations about gambling, and to learn and understand more about gambling and the inherent risks, as well as how to stay safe."