The report, which demands a “significant change in the Gambling Commission’s culture, strategy and practices,” provides the opinion that the regulator has “gone rogue” in its duties and is failing to understand the industry it serves.
Motivated by anecdotal feedback from concerned betting operators, the APBGG launched the inquiry, officially titled the ‘Investigation into the Competence and Effectiveness of the Gambling Commission.’
The group requested anonymous feedback from operators, which it categorised into three areas of complaint: where the Commission had acted beyond its powers, alleged breaches of the regulations and examples of incompetence and ineffectiveness.
The group claimed operators were fearful of complaining to the Commission itself in case of receiving a reprimand.
The APBGG’s subsequent report leaves little to the imagination.
With more than a hint of irony, the APBGG, criticised the Gambling Commission for harbouring “an overtly anti-gambling ideology” and went as far as to subjectively label the Commission an “industry-funded anti-gambling activist group.”
Scott Benton MP, Co-Chair of the APBGG, commented: “I am truly shocked to reveal so much evidence of bad practice by the Gambling Commission over the years. We have been hearing stories for years, but to see it in black and white is pretty stark.
“To think that members of our gambling industry, one of the most reputable in the world, who pay the Commission’s wages, have had to suffer such poor service from their regulator is of the utmost concern. Especially as it acts like it is an anti-gambling group, whose sole purpose is to destroy the industry.”
Benton goes on to label the Commission “ideological zealots” and calls for organisational changes from top to bottom.
The Gambling Commission is yet to respond.
