In his analysis for the specialized publication IGB, John Bruford delves into the stigmatization of the gaming sector, citing a case involving a British politician. The question posed is whether the gambling business genuinely warrants a negative reputation.
The Fall of Britain
The unfolding tale of a Tory MP embroiled in a corruption scandal reveals a disconcerting reality. This politician willingly accepted money in exchange for posing questions about the gaming sector within the hallowed halls of Parliament. The incident casts a damning light on the already tarnished reputation of the gambling industry in the UK.
This narrative shook me to my very core. A British political figure found themselves ousted from office after the Political Performance Standards Committee released a damning report, accusing them of corruption. The revelation unfolded when two undercover journalists from The Times assumed the roles of gambling investors, successfully luring Conservative Scott Benton into agreeing to raise questions in Parliament on behalf of the industry.
Technically, posing such questions isn't illegal, but the gravity of the situation lies in the fact that the politician was willing to do so for financial gain. And it wasn't a staggering sum – a mere £4,000 per month. Even if the exposé had resulted in nothing more, it provided us with a glimpse into the pricing structure for services aimed at advancing the interests of the gambling sector within the parliamentary arena. A lesson the industry should duly heed.
It's staggering to comprehend that a corrupt Conservative in the UK could be part of such an unbelievable scenario. While sarcasm is often deemed the lowest form of wit, one can't help but feel compelled to comment on the actions of the ruling party. Yet, in Benton's case, my primary concern is that our industry has unwittingly become a pawn, amplifying the gravity of his misdeeds.
The Villain with the Twirling Mustache
When did we transform into the unsavory substance smeared onto a character's reputation? When and how did we become a narrative device, a clever ploy deployed to illustrate the depths of someone's moral decline?
We've metamorphosed into the archetypal silent movie villain, complete with a twirling mustache. We find perverse delight in tying innocent people to railroad tracks, cackling maniacally while rubbing our hands together.
I've often playfully remarked that, in genteel company, I prefer to tell people I work in banking or real estate rather than disclose my association with the gambling business. While I don't actually adopt this strategy in reality, the humor lies in the implied suggestion that these sectors are somehow more virtuous than ours. Yet, it appears that this jest has taken on a semblance of reality. On a personal note, the silver lining is that I'm already equipped to handle such social scenarios—I possess the requisite tools for verbal defense, knowing precisely which arguments to deploy and how to articulate them.
But do we truly merit this unfavorable reputation?
In the majority of cases, probably not. Although there can be a significant dissonance between our rhetoric and our actions. Not universally, of course; our industry harbors outstanding individuals—innovators, thinkers, and those engaged in commendable endeavors.
Conversely, there are companies that vociferously champion the importance of responsible gaming in vibrant markets. Paradoxically, they fail to implement responsible gaming principles in their own operations, opting to navigate the "gray" market. These are entities that selectively apply standards, concealing themselves behind lofty rhetoric. It's their prerogative, certainly, but they inadvertently become easy targets for our critics.
All for One, One for All
Some companies don't just provide fodder for our critics; they go the extra mile. They not only load the gun but meticulously polish it, hand it over to critics, and paint a conspicuous target on themselves with glowing paint. Meanwhile, they stand at a distance from the critics, impossible to ignore.
This scenario precisely unfolded with the release of a handy guide by 1XBet. This guide instructs sports enthusiasts on placing bets in countries where it's illegal or where the company lacks licensing. The company itself has courted controversy, notably being expelled from the UK in 2019 following a media investigation that accused it of various infractions, including "promoting Pornhub." Such behavior may not surprise many within the industry, given the abundance of content provided by less-than-reputable affiliates operating in gray markets.
The challenge for us lies in the fact that we all get painted with the same brush. We become subjects for investigative journalism and newspaper headlines. It matters little what positive contributions we make, the unreported daily deeds that go unnoticed. In the eyes of the media and consequently the public, the prevailing sentiment remains overwhelmingly negative.
As for the media, their interest lies solely in industry failures and blemishes. That's their sole focus.
Let's consign the industry's negativity to the annals of history
What can we do about this negative public opinion? The only aspect we can truly influence is our actual conduct in our businesses, within our teams, in the culture we cultivate, and the standards we uphold. Nobody's perfect, but in situations where the choice is between being unkind and choosing decency, I always advocate choosing the latter.
To foster industry growth, changing the image and perception becomes the pivotal first step. Proactively initiate challenging conversations. Showcase the positive aspects of our work, from funding research and providing support to those facing issues to engaging in charitable endeavors. Highlight how we develop software and tools for early detection of health problems and support medical research. Amplify the voices of brilliant minds committed to bettering the world.
Hold ourselves to a higher standard to underscore that bad actors are exceptions, not the norm. We can and do make significant, commendable contributions to the world. It would be wonderful if someone in the media decided to focus on this for a change, but unfortunately, we seem perpetually fixated on horror stories.
I propose we commence narrating a different, positive truth about the industry in 2024. WHO IS WITH ME???
With a professional background spanning over 17 years in the gambling industry, John Bruford has held roles such as the editor of Casino International and currently serves as the CEO of The Gaming Boardroom. Beyond his professional pursuits, John enjoys the company of a large dog and dedicates his leisure time to exploring stain removal techniques.
