Ladbrokes Coral evaluate a conflict of interest, state MPs

MPs have criticised a Gaming Commission choice to let the owner of Ladbrokes and Coral lead an evaluation of online betting for VIP customers.

Carolyn Harris, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Gambling Related Harm, called it "a conflict of interest and woefully ignorant".

Gamblers with VIP status get some complimentary bets and unique offers as rewards for wagering high stakes.

Betting giant GVC has been asked to review how VIP plans operate.

Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who likewise sits on the APPG for Gambling Related Harm, said it was a "unusual" decision by the Gambling Commission (GC).

He said: "The Gambling Commission needs to be reformed. this promotion code truly does show you where the thinking has gone completely incorrect. It's like putting the mafia in charge of looking into organised criminal activity."

The GVC-led working group will look at how rewards such as hospitality and presents are provided, particularly in connection with VIP programmes, and whether they abide by licensing objectives to make gambling fairer and more secure.

'Relentless' pressure

The GC's move comes despite the regulator fining Ladbrokes Coral ₤ 5.9 m in 2019 for failing to protect susceptible individuals gambling large amounts.

Michelle, from Surrey, informed Radio 4's You and Yours that she started betting at a demanding time when she was looking after her mother with dementia.

Michelle, who did not wish to reveal her complete name, was made a VIP by numerous sites, including Ladbrokes and Coral. VIP gamblers are frequently designated a VIP supervisor who stays in regular contact.

She said: "You would be called quite a lot, I've got different emails that say, 'If you continue to play at this level, you will become a loyal consumer.'"

"It's really unrelenting. It's subtle things, they'll call and see how you are and a little pop-up box would appear on your computer: 'Hi, how are you?'"

Michelle was offered football tickets by Coral, but turned them down. Afterwards, she had an e-mail saying that as she could not come, they would put a ₤ 200 free bet in her account. She says: "It's an extremely clever way of guaranteeing that you're rewarded and you keep playing."

Serious issue

In its 2019 fine for Ladbrokes Coral, the yohaig code GC cited evidence of gamblers not being protected. In one case, Ladbrokes did not look at the welfare of a client who had actually lost ₤ 98,000 in two-and-a-half-years. the yohaig code customer had also asked Ladbrokes to stop sending promotions.

GVC, which owns Ladbrokes Coral, said: "We continuously review our incentives programme to guarantee our most devoted members get an excellent service along with enhanced due diligence checks to make sure that they are playing within their means." It said it took the welfare of consumers "exceptionally seriously".

the yohaig code GC said it had asked many betting companies to supervise reviews into the sector and had actually set tight due dates for them to make development.

A representative for the commission stated: "There are numerous operators associated with this work and some of those have undergone our enforcement activity. They remain in no doubt about the need to tackle these concerns at speed."

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APPG Gambling Related Harm