Entain chairman calls for ‘firm but fair’ UK gambling regulation

Entain chairman Barry Gibson has urged the UK government to prioritize responsible gambling in the region by enacting stricter gambling laws.

The chairman aired his view on Monday at the World Regulatory Briefing (WRB) in London. The WRB is an annual meeting held to discuss gaming laws, regulations, and compliance measures. This meeting is attended by politicians, gaming operators, legislators, and other essential staff in the gaming industry.

In the meeting, Gibson stated that new gaming laws should factor in player safety as well as industry promotion. That way the operators, the nation, and also gamblers will benefit and be protected through the regulations. He added that if all operators cooperate to maintain a standard that promotes responsible gambling and abides by the regulations, the nation’s gambling industry will emerge as one of the greatest in the world.

Gibson outlined the major contributions Entain has made in this regard. He said the sports betting operator had improved its responsible gambling programs over the years to fit modern standards and also to amend any loopholes that may have emerged.

The company is also developing a new Entain Foundation project and starting the Advanced Responsibility and Care (ARC) program. The chairman added that this has resulted in an overhaul of its executive structure, as it is looking for the best capable hands and team to execute its responsible gaming plans.

“At Entain we are strong advocates of firm but fair regulation that is rigorous, transparent and evidence-based,” Gibson said at the WRB.

“A good regulator is one that has player safety at its core but that also takes into account the interests of the broader industry – operators, employees, sporting bodies – working in proper consultation with the industry to create an environment that balances an open recreational market with the need to provide the highest levels of player protection.

“That is the gold standard we should be aspiring to. In my view, Nevada currently gets the closest.

“The UK already boasts a number of world-class betting and gaming businesses, developing and exporting home-grown expertise and tech prowess on the international stage. With gold standard regulation, Britain has the opportunity to be the global leader in responsible gambling.”

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