Entain CEO Jette Nygaard-Anderson said the gaming industry has an “unfair” reputation and urged the public to come to see gaming operators as trusted entertainment providers. Entain’s brands include Ladbrokes and Coral.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Nygaard-Anderson said lawmakers should avoid implementing game rules that are too strict. “Very harsh rules can”, as she explained, “cause players to enter the illegal market and adopt clandestine operators”.
She urged lawmakers to find a healthy balance for the new rules, which are due to be published in the coming months. In the view of Entain’s CEO, the main points of attention include reducing the minimum stakes and introducing accessibility checks for users.
Nygaard-Anderson’s concerns came after a survey by the Betting and Gaming Council last year showed that the number of customers using an unlicensed gambling site rose from 210,000 in 2019 to 460,000.
“The reputation our industry has is somewhat unfair,” said Nygaard-Anderson. “It is extremely important to me that our customers understand that we have their security in mind and that they see us as a trusted entertainment provider,” he added.
The government’s delay in releasing the new rules last year was heavily criticized by anti-gambling activists.
About Entain
Entain plc is one of the world’s largest sports betting and gambling groups operating online and in the retail sector. With licenses in 27 countries, the group employs a workforce of more than 24,000, in 20 offices on five continents.
In December 2020, the company underwent a process of re-branding to reflect its ambition to be the world leader in sports betting and gaming entertainment. The group has a comprehensive portfolio of established brands.
Sports brands include bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds International and Sportingbet. While the gaming brands are CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, partypoker and PartyCasino