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Gambling industry chiefs called 'cowardly' for missing meeting with MPs

MPs are likely to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal for a third time this week
Gambling industry leaders are set to face MPs on WednesdayCredit: Dan Kitwood

Leading gambling industry executives are due to face MPs in Westminster on Wednesday as part of an ongoing inquiry into the online sector, although some of their counterparts have already incurred the wrath of the group's chair Carolyn Harris.

Kenny Alexander, Philip Bowcock and Peter Jackson – the chief executives of GVC Holdings, William Hill and Flutter Entertainment respectively – had all been set to appear at the latest session of the inquiry being carried out by the All Party Parliamentary Group on gambling-related harm but have subsequently withdrawn, a move Labour MP Harris described as "cowardly".

"These are men who run companies that feed addiction, amass vast profits from the vulnerable and take home huge pay packets, yet they are too afraid to appear before MPs," she said.

"They seem to think they have better things to do than to explain their actions publicly. They are running scared and their actions are cowardly in the extreme."

In response, GVC said in a statement: "Kenny had planned to attend the hearing but due to business commitments is now unfortunately unable to do so.

"With its 'Changing for the Bettor' strategy, GVC has made huge advances in the area of safer gambling, and as a business we are committed to driving up standards, protecting vulnerable customers and reducing the harm caused by problem gambling behaviours."

William Hill said Bowcock was unable to attend due to "diary pressure" and that he had previously met with both the APPG and individual members of the group.

The firm's managing director of online for the UK and Ireland, Phil Walker, will appear in place of Bowcock.

Flutter, the parent company of Paddy Power and Betfair, said Jackson was unable to attend due to travel commitments.

The company will be represented by their chief executive of Europe, Dan Taylor.

Also attending the hearing will be bet365's joint chief executive John Coates, Sky Betting and Gaming chief executive Ian Proctor and Phil Cronin, chief executive of online bingo company Tombola.


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Bill BarberIndustry editor

Published on 3 September 2019inNews

Last updated 19:00, 3 September 2019

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