BGC calls for creation of British gambling ombudsman

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called for the UK Government to establish a gambling ombudsman.

UK.- The trade association the Betting and Gaming Council has called on the UK authorities to create a gambling ombudsman to improve the process of responding to customer concerns and complaints.

Such a body could help to make the relationship between clients and the gambling industry more efficient, the BGC suggested. It proposes that it should be a legal requirement for all licensed operators to sign up to it.

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher, said: “This is further evidence of the BGC’s determination to drive up standards in the regulated betting and gaming industry.

“We hope the government will look favourably on our calls for a Gambling Ombudsman to be established as soon as possible following the conclusion of the gambling review, which we strongly support.

“The BGC and its members recognise the need for further change in our industry and a new Gambling Ombudsman would be a step forward in customer redress – I’m proud to be giving it our backing.”

Conor Grant, chief executive of Flutter Entertainment’s UK and Ireland division, backed the call. He said: “At the heart of our business is a focus on our customers – both delivering great entertainment and making sure that it’s always underpinned by increasingly robust safer gambling practices. 

“True commitment to putting customers first also means making sure they have somewhere independent to go if something does go amiss – that’s why Flutter is fully behind the call from the BGC for the government to include an ombudsman in its plans for reform of the gambling industry.”