Gambling operators are making plans to set up a special trading body which would act as a lobby group at a time when UK lawmakers are considering prospects of stricter regulation of the local gambling sector.
For some time, there have been rumours of a possible merger between Remote Gambling Association and the Association of British Bookmakers following harsh criticism at the time when the crackdown over controversial fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) has been considered. Now, an industry source close to the matter confirmed the step, saying that the issues related to responsible gambling and taxation across the industry have made such measures necessary.
The plan for the reshuffle of the gambling operators representative bodies comes at a time when the sector faces the impending threat of new regulatory restrictions imposed on gambling companies. The UK gambling regulators’ stance on the regime for operators came after public concern about their behaviour in the market and their increasing influence on policy.
Two job adverts – for a chairman and a chief executive officer – posted by Ellwood Atfield, a recruitment firm have been released, confirming the above-mentioned merger. At this stage, the new industry body is called Newco, and according to the job adverts, it will be the largest and most prominent organization representing the British gambling sector.
Trade Bodies Previously Dismis Rumours of Merger Talks
The two job adverts require candidates to prove a track record of successfully influencing “the political and lobbying process” in various national and European institutions. The applicants are also required to prove an “established network” of national and international political and media relationships and to be experienced in dealing with the media in regards to political sensitive topics.
The two leading trade bodies – the ABB and the RGA were allegedly having merger negotiations over the past few years, but the rumour was dismissed as “unlikely” by Clive Hawkswood, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Remote Gambling Association,
The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) was among the most fierce opponents of the UK Government’s plans to impose further restrictions on fixed-odds betting machines after the latter were called the most dangerous and addictive form of gambling. A few months ago, the Government confirmed that the maximum stake of the terminals is set to be slashed from £100 to £2.
However, there has been some turmoil when the authorities announced their decision to put off the implementation of the new rules for six months to provide the industry with the chance to prepare for the changes. Tracey Crouch, the then-Minister for Sports and Society, resigned from her position in protest to the delay a few months ago, when alleged links between gambling lobbyists and Members of Parliament were the reason for the proposed delay.
As reported by The Guardian, one of the most-designated anti-gambling campaigners in the UK – Matt Zarb-Cousin – commented that the establishment of a new trade body illustrated how discredited the ABB, in particular, were both with the UK Government and policymakers, considering the fact that their worst-case scenario was enacted.
- Author
Olivia Cole
