The biggest beneficiary of the gambling industry’s generosity over the past year was Philip Davies, Shipley Conservative MP. Sources say, in 2020 he had accepted almost £50,000 to advise Entain on safer gambling and customer service.
Another beneficiary was Scott Benton, Blackpool South Conservative MP, who received a seat at Wembley to watch England versus Denmark in the semi-final of Euro 2020, courtesy of Entain – a freebie worth £3,457.
The gambling industry has paid or offered hospitality to 28 MPs in total, equating to the total value of £224,281 since August 2020. The list of beneficiaries includes the Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage, Minister within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, (which is overseeing the gambling review), and Aaron Bell, erstwhile Bet365 colleague. The BGC is currently led by former Labour MP, Michael Dugher.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, Director Clean Up Gambling and former aide to Jeremy Corbyn, said: “Far too many MPs have had their snouts in the gambling trough. This is a sector that derives most of its profits from the harm it causes its constituents. The government has an opportunity in its gambling review to demonstrate our democracy is not for sale.”
Entain's Spokesperson explained: “Any political engagement we conduct is always in line with the registers of members’ interest. As a sports betting and interactive entertainment company, we are proud of the role we play in supporting grassroots and elite sports both in the UK and internationally.”
