In August, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stirred controversy in the gambling sector with a social media post where he likened "betting shops" to "vape shops" when discussing "dodgy businesses." This comparison struck a nerve within the gambling industry, as it reflects a broader skepticism shared by the public.
Simon Westbury, a strategic advisor at 1xBet and the recent director of 1xCare, addressed Burnham's remarks, highlighting how they signify a decline in the industry's social licence to operate. "It's an example of the industry losing their social licence and their ability to operate in an environment. It's also a case of ‘don't let the facts get in the way of a good story.'
"It really comes down to perception. You have a leader of a country saying this is intrinsically bad or grouping it with questionable industries. What he's saying isn't supported by evidence, but… does it resonate with people? Yes, it does."
While admitting that 1xBet does not operate in the UK, Westbury brings 18 years of industry experience to the conversation, including previous roles at BetSoft and Digitain, along with time at Sheffield United.
Despite claims of regulation, Westbury contends this is insufficient for altering public perception. Reports indicate that betting shops on UK high streets are experiencing a decline—contrary to the narrative of rampant growth promoted by some. The industry's stigma extends beyond the UK and encompasses all forms of gambling, with 1xBet facing scrutiny that others may not.
Westbury noted: "Some of the industry threw their arms up in the air and said, ‘But we’re regulated, vape shops are not.’ But just saying you’re regulated doesn’t change the perception and doesn’t move the discussion forward…"
The issue stems from a focus on instant results and exploitation of loopholes, as well as inadequate player protection protocols throughout the gaming landscape. "There’s been a real focus on instantaneity, pushing the envelope, finding loopholes, finding ways to operate," he explained.
Westbury observed that the anti-gambling movement has gained momentum globally, leading to bans and regulatory restrictions in countries like Brazil and several European nations, which have enacted stringent advertising guidelines. He asserted, “It’s very polarised… You’re either very pro-gambling or very anti-gambling.”
Research revealed that over half of operators prioritize compliance over player safety, a trend Westbury finds alarming. He remarked, "Everything is about compliance and maintaining your licence… We need to actually start ingraining player protection and safer gambling tools from conception to delivery."
Westbury believes regulators often engage in performative compliance, highlighting a discrepancy between their claims and the reality of the offshore gambling market's growth. He posed a thought-provoking question regarding regulatory efficacy: "If regulators and governments are doing such a wonderful job at regulation, why is the offshore ‘dot-com’ market growing?"
As part of his efforts with 1xCare—a newly established NGO dedicated to responsible gambling and player protection—Westbury aims to shift perceptions and engage broader conversations within the industry. He articulated the necessity for a collective commitment among stakeholders.
"For me, there needs to be commitment… from suppliers, operators, regulators and governments to be formed in an open conversation based not on finger-pointing, but actually sitting down and understanding there needs to be some give and take from both sides," he emphasized.
With 1xCare as a platform for advancing responsible gambling initiatives, Westbury aims to foster transparency and independence in addressing industry issues, separating the NGO's goals from those of 1xBet.
"We aren’t going to be judged on a press release… We’re going to be judged on what we deliver," he stated, setting a transparent standard for their upcoming projects focused on education, research, technology, and wellbeing.
Regarding industry perceptions, Westbury reaffirmed that collaborative efforts must begin within the gambling sector itself. His final assertion called for unity as the path to rebuilding trust, with the belief that this approach would resonate beyond industry walls in addressing public sentiment toward gambling.
"Everyone needs to stop sitting in their silos pointing fingers at each other. We need to come together, engage and speak," he concluded, envisioning a future where the gambling industry could reshape its image through joint effort and responsible practices.
