In the U.K., gaming operator Betway has come under fire from anti-gambling forces regarding its use of incentives and lack of transparency. In the wake of criticism, the U.K. Gambling Commission faces increasing pressure to reveal details of the company’s ownership.
The commission said license-holders provide detailed information to regulators for approval ,but such information does not have to be passed on.
“We expect applicants for licenses to provide us with all the information we need in order to determine whether or not they are suitable,” the commission said. “The commission has to consider the following with evidence to support an assessment; identity, ownership, finances, integrity, competence and criminality.”
The Daily Mail cited criticism from members of Parliament, who have insisted regulators find out more about the owner of Betway. “Devious deals and deception are at the heart of this industry,” said Labour MP Carolyn Harris, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group. “The more you look the more you find. For too long the actions of this industry have gone under the radar and the Gambling Commission are complicit.”
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said the Gambling Commission should come clean. “It’s important to know who profits when gambling companies encourage problem gamblers to bet, leaving a wake of destroyed family lives behind them.”’
Betway emphasized that the company has prioritized both responsibility and compliance in all jurisdictions: “As a responsible, licensed operator, regulators are provided with the details of our ownership, as is required by law,” the company said in a statement. “Betway is fully tax=compliant in all jurisdictions and we pay all taxes due.”
