UK Gambling Commission outlines public trust strategy

UK Gambling Commission chief executive, Neil McArthur, has asked operators across the UK’s betting industry to work together and make Britain the safest and fairest gambling hub in the world.

Speaking at the Raising Standards Conference at the International Conference Centre, Birmingham, McArthur said: “I want consumers in Britain to be able to enjoy the fairest and safest gambling in the world and to achieve my aims I need your support: I need you to work together to make sure you are the best – the fairest, safest – gambling operators in the world.”

At the conference, McArthur highlighted three key areas for operators to focus on: understanding the early signs which could indicate a customer is experiencing problems; interacting with customers to ensure they receive support and advice; and rebuilding public trust by changing advertising strategies.

“This is a call to action to join the race to the top,” he said. “A race to put your customers, their enjoyment and their safety at the top of the agenda for your management meetings, your board meetings and meetings with your investors.”

The conference also heard from Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and representatives from the Advertising Standards Authority, the Competition and Markets Authority, and Twitter UK.

Guy Parker, ASA chief executive, said: “The existing rules that regulate the content and targeting of gambling advertising are working effectively, but there is public concern about the timing and quantity. The Gambling Commission conference is a great opportunity for gambling firms to discuss how those concerns might be addressed.”