VIP scheme probed after Mail exposé

BETWAY has launched an urgent review of its ‘VIP’ schemes – designed to encourage its biggest losers to spend more – after the shocking consequences were highlighted by the Mail.

The online bookmaker said it would ‘overhaul’ the way it rewards high-rollers with exclusive hospitality tickets worth hundreds. It said it had put an immediate stop to all new invitations while the review is carried out.

The Mail revealed earlier this month how Ben Jones, 30, was offered tickets to watch his favourite sports teams by personal VIP hosts, even as he bet £370,000 of cash stolen from his employer. Betway admitted paying compensation to his victim, the Cake Decorating Co – a tacit admission that the gambling giant’s dealings with Jones contributed to his criminality.

The father of two, pictured, was jailed for three years at Nottingham Crown Court in November for his crime.

The bookmaker said this week that it had disbanded the team looking after its VIPs last July, incorporating them into another group reporting to a ‘head of customer welfare’.

However, Simon Kent, the VIP manager who offered cash bonuses to Jones even after he admitted he was on the ‘worst losing streak I’ve ever had’, did not receive any sanctions and remains a Betway employee.

Betway said yesterday: ‘In light of recent cases, we have put a hold on all new invites while we overhaul how we approach hospitality, including the distribution of tickets to events.’