Flutter Entertainment has appointed former deputy leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson, as a safer gambling advisor. 

Well known as an outspoken advocate of gambling reform in the UK, Watson will be advising the gambling giant, which owns brands including Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Bet, as it strives to improve its responsible gambling efforts.

Apparently, Watson will be sticking his nose into all areas of the business, including retail and online, staff training, and marketing. 

Until November 2019, Watson was MP for West Bromwich East and deputy leader of the Labour party, the UK’s main opposition party. Notably, in June 2019, he argued the need for a new gambling ombudsman to protect consumers, and described problem gambling as a hidden health epidemic. 

Watson is also well-known for helping expose the hacking scandal at the Murdoch-owned News of the World, is Chairman of industry group UK music, and is a best-selling author.  

Regarding his appointment, Watson said: 

“I have a long-standing interest in this sector and consistently called for action to protect those that may be potentially vulnerable to harm.

“In taking on this role in Flutter, I intend to get under the bonnet of the business – and the industry more widely – to understand how best to further develop and implement industry leading responsible gambling policies.”

While CEO of Flutter, Peter Jackson, added:

“Bringing in someone with Tom’s gambling reform background is an important part of my commitment to lead the industry’s race to the top.

“We have to work harder than ever before to find a way to continue to bring great products and brands to our customers while always having the need to protect the vulnerable clearly in mind.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Given 2020’s track record so far, nothing should be surprising, but the seemingly rabidly anti-gambling Watson working for one of the world’s biggest gambling operators? 

We hope Watson has taken this role because he genuinely wants to help reform the industry in a reasonable and sustainable way, but he is a politician. And, we’re sure many people will be wondering about his compensation packet. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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