The Players’ Panel is made up of customers from across Entain’s brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral and Gala Bingo. Members sign up voluntarily, with no payment in return. It is designed to allow them to discuss issues related to legal compliance in the gambling industry. They will also be connected to political decision-makers, the media, and other stakeholders to share their individual perspectives on the industry. The formation of the panel coincides with the ongoing UK Government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act, which began in December last year.
The panel will support this review process by allowing responsible gambling customers to contribute to a balanced debate. This is crucial as the review will address important areas such as stake limits, gambling advertising, and the role of the GB Gambling Commission. Entain recognizes the importance of involving regular gamblers in these discussions to ensure that their voice is considered in shaping the future of the industry.
Elizabeth, a health and safety executive from Walsall and a member of the Players’ Panel, expressed her satisfaction with the initiative. She highlighted that there are many individuals like her who engage in slots and bingo for recreational purposes. Elizabeth emphasized the need for the public’s opinion to be heard in the ongoing debate about gambling, as it directly affects their hobby. She acknowledged the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals but also stressed the need to maintain personal freedom of choice and responsibility.
Another member, Ken, a library worker from Newcastle, also echoed the sentiment that gambling is a form of social entertainment for him and many others. Ken emphasized his responsible gambling habits, comparing the cost to enjoying a few pints of beer each week. He appreciates the value for money he receives from gambling activities and is pleased that The Players’ Panel provides an opportunity for individuals like him to have their voices heard.
In addition to the launch of the panel, Entain conducted a survey among its customers in July 2020 to gather their views on key issues surrounding betting and gambling. The results of the survey showed that the majority of customers view betting and gaming as a normal leisure activity. They strongly believe that individuals should have the freedom to choose their activities and decide whether to gamble. However, opinions were divided on the extent of individual responsibility regarding the amount of money spent on gambling.
The survey also addressed the topic of staking limits, with the majority of respondents favoring voluntary limits determined by players themselves. Additionally, the survey challenged claims about offshore operators by revealing that a significant percentage of customers had experience with unlicensed operators. It also indicated that many customers would consider moving offshore if required to provide proof of income to gamble. Younger consumers were more likely to have engaged with black market operators and were more inclined to consider this option if stake limits were imposed.
