UKGC CEO defends operator-led collaboration strategy
Neil McArthur insists operators will “not get to mark their own work” in new working groups project
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) CEO Neil McArthur has defended the regulator’s decision to involve gambling operators in its newly launched working group programme on VIPs, game design and advertising.
Speaking at ICE on Monday, McArthur said he understood the reservations of individuals working in gambling-related harm treatment, but claimed the initiative did not amount to “self-regulation”.
The comments come after Labour MP Carolyn Harris, chair of the Gambling-Related Harm APPG, likened gambling operators spearheading focus groups to drug cartels regulating the illegal drugs market.
Lets ask a drugs cartel to oversee how we deal with Drug dealers!
I'm sure they will help us sort out the problem.
Unbelievable that @GamRegGB really think 👇 is a good idea.
Bit like their approach to dealing with the Industry… weak, onesided, inadequate, unfair, pathetic….. https://t.co/50i2AodMeK— Carolyn Harris (@carolynharris24) January 23, 2020
McArthur insisted the working groups were not an opportunity for gambling operators “to set or mark their own homework” as the agenda was firmly decided by the UKGC.
He said: “We will judge whether the proposals go far enough and whether they are likely to achieve the outcome we want: namely reduced risk of harm to consumers. If they don’t, all options are on the table for what we do next.”
The three operator-led working groups involve GVC, Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG), Playtech and Scientific Games.
McArthur argued that while some of the firms involved had previously been fined by the UKGC, it meant they were in the best position to understand the seriousness of the issues involved.
“On the face of it, this seems contradictory, but as I see it, they are in no doubt about the need to tackle these issues at speed,” said McArthur.
“Nor do they doubt the consequences of repeating past failures,” he added.
Picture Credit: UKGC