Event gifts from gambling industry no problem – MPs
Watching half a match at Chelsea really doesn’t change my views on gambling in sport MP Mike Wood
TWO Black Country MPs have insisted there was no problem with accepting invites to sport events from the gambling industry, despite widespread concerns about the influence of betting firms in football and other sports.
John Spellar, Labour MP for Warley, was given tickets to Euro 2020 and cricket worth £2,800 from Power Leisure Bookmakers and the Betting and Gaming Council, while Conservative MP for Dudley South Mike Wood was invited to a Premier League match worth £430 by the Betting and Gaming Council during the last year.
Details of the freebies were contained in the latest Register of Members’ Financial Interests, where all the donations MPs receive are declared.
Politicians are perfectly entitled to attend such events but questions have previously been asked about whether it is appropriate for MPs to accept gifts from gambling companies and bodies given Parliamentarians have the power to reduce the industry’s involvement in sport.
There are long-standing concerns over the association between sports – particularly football – and gambling. Many Premier League sides now have betting firms as shirt sponsors, while gambling adverts during televised games have become commonplace.
Former Black Country MP and Labour deputy leader Tom Watson was among the leading voices campaigning to limit the influence of gambling companies in football, amid concerns around over-exposure to children and teenagers.
Gambling reform groups have accused firms of leading a “charm offensive” on MPs by handing them gifts to top sporting events.
More than 35 MPs were given freebies by the gambling industry worth tens of thousands of pounds during the last Parliamentary session, records showed.
But Mr Wood dismissed any suggestions there could be conflict of interest concerns if it came to voting on legislation around gambling.
He said: “Watching half a match at Chelsea really doesn’t change my views on gambling in sport.
“Obviously people enjoy having a flutter at sports matches or races. It’s important to have strong controls in place.
“People can watch what they’re spending and there are safeguards in place to make sure anyone at risk of addiction can get help.”
Sandwell MP Mr Spellar said: “A properly regulated gambling industry is enormously important. There is clearly a big demand and the vast majority of people gamble responsibly.
“The industry is also very supportive of sport, particularly horse racing.
“A properly regulated industry is the best way of ensuring it is not run by criminals.
“The real danger of not having a properly regulated industry is a massive black market and we don’t want to see that happen here.”