Entain to platform consumer opinions with new Players’ Panel initiative
Voluntary panel to liaise with political decision-makers as 45% suggest they would consider black market if ordered to provide proof of income
Entain has launched a new ‘Players’ Panel’ to provide insight into how recreational consumers perceive gambling in the UK.
The voluntary panel will address issues including the future of betting, freedom of choice, funding for sports and gaming trends.
“Entain is supporting the panel because it believes that millions of consumers who enjoy placing a bet responsibly deserve to have their opinions heard and for a balanced debate to happen,” the operator said.
Panelists include a retired printer, a customer service executive, a library worker and a health and safety executive. Some panel individuals will meet with political decision-makers, stakeholders and the media to offer the perspective of the day-to-day customer.
“Betting and gambling is a popular pastime for many people, yet the individuals who take part in it regularly and recreationally are rarely asked their opinion,” said Entain corporate affairs director Grainne Hurst.
“At Entain, we are committed to putting our customers first, and the Players’ Panel is an additional way to ensure that the voice of our regular customers are considered in the debate about the future of our industry,” she added.
Elsewhere, a new Entain poll has revealed more than two thirds of players (71%) believe staking limits should be set by the punters themselves.
The survey of 1,500 individuals, who gamble at least once a month, showed that 68% believe individuals should be free to decide how much they gamble.
More than two thirds of participants (79%) think individuals should be free to choose what leisure activities they participate in, while 64% believe the individuals themselves are best placed to decide how much they can afford to gamble.
Less than a third (30%) of survey participants had a direct or indirect experience with gambling on the black market, but 45% of those who bet said they would consider gambling on the black market if they had to provide proof of income in order to play with licensed sites.
Almost three quarters (73%) of survey respondents expressed concern about their privacy rights in relation to data sharing by operators.