Representatives from Dean Mead, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Rank Group, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and Schuetz sat down to discuss some of the stigma surrounding the industry, and how they believe it can be altered with a more flexible approach.
BGC Chairman Brigid Simmonds commented: “I come from a background in the sports industry. I am very interested in social responsibility and safer gaming, but people have the right to choose how they spend their time. We are very much part of the wider hospitality industry in this country.
“When BGC was set up, we recognised we have a huge perception issue in the UK. Since then, we have made some significant changes that will help the way that we are perceived going forward.”
The latest Gambling Commission survey, conducted on a quarterly basis, showed mixed results when participants were quizzed on their perceptions of the gambling industry.
While 36% of those who had gambled over the past 12 months believed gambling “in this country is conducted fairly and can be trusted,” up from 32% the year before, and the levels of problem gambling had slightly decreased, it showed fewer people were gambling than prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
NCLGS President Keith Pickard said: “It will never come to a point where everyone agrees with gambling, but once we can show there are systems in place to prevent problem gambling, we can make some headway.
“I think the perception is not as dire as some make it sound. We need to create a balanced perception of the jobs gambling creates, the money and the entertainment value. We need to balance the view of the benefits and the liabilities.”
Dean Mead Shareholder Marc Dunbar added: “The industry needs to speak with one common voice.”
