A gaming sector specialist, Steve Donoughue, thinks the Conservative Party’s general election win is beneficial for the UK gambling sector.
Donoughue observes that although there’s currently significant anti-gambling sentiment amongst Members of Parliament, particularly following the Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT) dispute, he feels a Conservative majority is more favorable for the sector.
While Labour has traditionally backed tighter gambling rules, Donoughue suggests the Conservative’s emphasis on Brexit will likely make them less inclined to enforce excessive regulations on the industry.
He informed *Inside Gambling*: “With Boris Johnson securing the largest Conservative majority since 1987, and Jeremy Corbyn presiding over the fewest Labour seats since 1935, the UK gambling industry certainly has cause for optimism.
It’s not a massive celebration with balloons and cake, more of an office gathering devoid of alcohol, just stale biscuits and everyone eager to depart. Due to the big three operators’ clumsy management of FOBTs, practically every MP now instinctively holds gambling in low regard.
However, we now have a Conservative government concentrating on Brexit for the coming years, and, provided they can avoid appointing someone vulnerable to extreme lobbying to the gambling minister position, we should manage to persevere.”
Donohoe views the Betting and Gaming Council’s recent formation as a constructive development for the sector. He contends that the industry can avert repeating previous errors and downturns with capable direction from Chairman Simmonds and CEO Dugher.
Donohoe emphasizes the expertise that Simmonds and Dugher contribute, noting their deep understanding of Westminster’s operations and adept political maneuvering. He posits that their guidance, coupled with a government seemingly impartial towards the betting sector, presents a genuine opportunity for advancement.
Nevertheless, Donohoe concedes that the industry must prioritize rehabilitating its public image before anticipating any concessions. Although supplementary advantages may materialize later, he expresses optimism that the most challenging period has passed, and the industry is progressing towards greater stability.