In August, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham drew ire from the gambling industry through a social media post in which he grouped "betting shops" alongside "vape shops," labeling them as "dodgy businesses." This characterization resonated with many, indicating that Burnham's views echoed a broader societal sentiment toward the industry.
Simon Westbury, a strategic advisor at 1xBet and director of 1xCare, reacted to Burnham’s comments, noting, "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.’" He emphasized the role perception plays, with political leaders influencing public opinion despite a lack of supporting evidence.
Although 1xBet does not operate within the UK, Westbury, with 18 years of industry experience, shared insights from an outsider's perspective. He acknowledged that while betting shops on UK high streets are in decline, this reality contrasts with the prevailing narrative of an unregulated gambling boom.
Westbury pointed out that many in the industry reacted defensively to Burnham’s remarks, arguing, "But we’re regulated, vape shops are not." However, he stressed that simply being regulated isn’t enough to shift public perception or engage in meaningful dialogue that might change polarized views.
He noted that the gaming sector’s focus on short-term gains—like unsustainable welcome bonuses—contributes to a negative stigma. "There’s a very strong anti-gambling lobby," he said, emphasizing that the industry often prioritizes instant gratification over building long-term trust with key stakeholders.
Westbury highlighted that the growing offshore gambling market complicates the situation. While 1xBet holds over 35 local licenses globally, the perception of regulation's ineffectiveness remains due in part to the thriving offshore sector. "If regulators and governments are doing such a wonderful job at regulation, why is the offshore ‘dot-com’ market growing?" he queried, suggesting that this growth indicates a regulatory failure.
Addressing potential solutions, Westbury stated, "We need to re-engage and gain back our social licence to operate. We need to put players at the front and center of everything that we do." He articulated the necessity for collaboration within the industry to enhance credibility and trust.
On compliance, Westbury pointed to troubling research indicating that 55% of operators prioritized compliance over player protection, particularly when developing new products. He called for an industry shift towards embedding responsible gambling practices from conception through to product delivery.
As 1xCare embarks on its mission to foster responsible gambling advocacy, Westbury defended its independence from 1xBet, emphasizing that the NGO’s advisory board includes reputable figures from the industry. He expressed optimism about 1xCare’s initiatives, noting their early progress and the positive reception of their projects aimed at education, research, technology, and player wellbeing.
Ultimately, Westbury framed the issue as a collective responsibility. He called on gambling operators, regulators, and governments to engage openly and collaboratively, acknowledging the interconnectedness of their interests. "If you’re not actually going as a united front, that’s when cracks appear and water can seep through," he remarked.
By fostering an environment of trust and cooperation, Westbury believes the gambling sector can begin to change its fundamentally negative perception among both regulators and the public.
