Speaking in this past weekend’s edition of the Sunday Times in the UK, Entain CEO Jette Nygaard-Anderson spoke of her concern that excessive further regulation could encourage UK gamblers to seek out ‘black market’ unlicensed options. The boss of the Ladbrokes and Coral owner went on to encourage Ministers to seek out a ‘healthy balance’ when devising any new rules.
Recognising that the gambling industry – somewhat unfairly – suffers with a poor reputation, Ms Nygaard-Anderson added that “it is utterly important for me that our customers understand that we have their safety at heart, and that they see us as a trusted entertainment provider.”
In the next few months, the UK Government will publish a white paper outlining proposed reforms to the current gambling laws. With research from the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) showing a doubling of the use of unlicensed betting websites over the pandemic, the Council’s CEO, Michael Dugher, has described the upcoming gambling review as “a once in a generation opportunity to deliver real change and much-needed regulatory certainty,” adding that an appropriate balance is needed between “protecting the vulnerable, and not spoiling the enjoyment of the overwhelming majority of people who enjoy a flutter safely and responsibly.”
