UK operators face questions over parliamentary meeting absence
GVC, Flutter and William Hill CEOs all pull out of tomorrow’s APPG meeting
GVC, Flutter Entertainment and William Hill have come under fire from anti-gambling campaigners following decisions by all three firms’ chief executives not to attend the latest meeting of the Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group.
Reports in the Guardian newspaper said Kenny Alexander, Philip Bowcock and Peter Jackson had all previously confirmed their attendance at the Westminster meeting, only to all later withdraw.
GVC Holdings told EGR that chief executive Kenny Alexander had been forced to withdraw due to “business commitments” and that the company was unable to find a sufficiently senior executive able to attend the meeting in his place.
The operator defended its record on preventing online gambling harm, citing its recent ‘Changing for the bettor’ campaign as proof that strides were being made in this area.
A spokesperson for Flutter Entertainment confirmed that Paddy Power Betfair CEO Dan Taylor had replaced group CEO Peter Jackson due to unforeseen travel commitments, adding that he would be “well placed” to discuss any UK specific issues or cases with the APPG.
William Hill’s UK and Ireland managing director Phil Walker will be attending the APPG meeting in place of group CEO Philip Bowcock. In addition, Jackpotjoy Group CEO Simon Wykes has been invited, but will not be attending, while Betfred CEO Fred Done will also reportedly not be attending.
Executives from the eight largest UK gambling companies are due to attend the latest inquiry session which takes place tomorrow.
Remaining attending CEOs include bet365’s John Coates, Sky Betting & Gaming’s Ian Proctor and tombola CEO Phil Cronin.
However, the absence of executives from three of the UK’s biggest operators from the meeting has provoked anger from many individuals within the gambling-related harm treatment arena.
Captures what we all think. We were surprised when the CEOs agreed to appear before the APPG, so perhaps not surprised that they've withdrawn.
But looks like they're working together now. I wonder who is advising and coordinating? Suggestions? https://t.co/A5ct87aOH0— Gambling with Lives (@GambleWithLives) September 2, 2019
Sounds like UK gambling bosses are on the run, refusing to front MPs at Westminster despite earlier agreeing. These same blokes rip off Australians through Sportsbet (Flutter) and Ladbrokes (GVC) https://t.co/Wd8AAEylrN
— Stephen Mayne (@MayneReport) September 2, 2019
The current APPG inquiry into the impact of online gambling in the UK, which started in March, has conducted various individual evidentiary sessions and has called witnesses from all corners of the industry.
The final inquiry assessment date takes place next week.