RGA launches consultation on sports betting

The aim of the review is to provide the RGA’s members with a thorough and objective assessment in order to enable them to take informed decisions about the range of issues that are involved. It is also hoped that the review, of which this consultation is a key stage, will identify ways in which the relationship between betting and sports can be usefully developed.

Clive Hawkswood, CEO of the RGA, commented that, “There are a wide range of issues arising from the provision of betting on sports.  Many of them are over-lapping and it is time for us adopt a coordinated approach, rather than dealing with them in piecemeal fashion. Within the industry we want to develop some proper evidence led policies.”

“We therefore believed it was important to bring in someone externally to assist us with that and we are delighted that the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has allowed us to take Jason Foley-Train on secondment to undertake this project.”

The main international sporting organisations, such as the IOC and FIFA, have been approached to respond to the consultation, as have all of the EU’s Member States and a number of other interested parties. The consultation is, however, open to any party that has an interest in this area.

Jason Foley-Train said that, “I very much hope that sports will take this important opportunity to provide clear and comprehensive views on those matters relating to the availability of betting on sport, and to influence the scope and nature of any recommendations that go to RGA members at the end of this review process. It will hopefully lead to a more productive dialogue between the two industries across a range of areas, and I look forward to engaging with them over the coming months with a view to achieving that.”