William Hill Acting CEO Supports Gambling Ad Restrictions
Philip Bowcock, the acting CEO of sportsbook giant William Hill, surprised many when he made comments supporting the UK government’s decision to review its policies concerning gambling advertisements directed at young people. Bowcock expressed sympathy with those who are worried about the impact of the industry’s messages in the media, adding that he is a father of teenagers himself. Bowcock took the helm of the bookmaker following the dismissal of James Henderson by the corporate board of directors over the lackluster performance of William Hill’s online business.
The government’s inquiry comes as reports indicate that Britain has seen a 46% rise in spending on sports gambling in the last three years, with the industry pouring over 500,000 pounds into on-air advertising. Much of this advertising money has been spent promoting the industry’s most lucrative sector, fixed odds betting terminals, also known as video or online slot machines. These machines are of special interest to the government panel considering reigning in the industry’s media presence as many view them as a serious social problem that exacerbates already bad economic situations in poor and struggling communities and populations.
When confronted about the industry’s ethical standards, Bowcock replied that William Hill takes its responsibility as an advertiser more seriously than some of its competition. Although as a whole, bookmakers have resisted calls for new restrictions on advertising, some have suggested that as the price-maker, Bowcock and William Hill’s support for the new government initiative may be a competitive strategy, as the brand enjoys considerable name recognition throughout the country, and new regulations on advertising are likely to hurt smaller bookmaking outfits more than established firms such as a Bowcock.
The NGO GambleAware has introduced a series of public service announcements which call attention to the perils of gambling addiction. The spots take on slot machines and gambling websites and are targeted at YouTube viewers located in the north of England. There are plans to make the campaign a national effort in the future. The non-profit is pressuring the sports-book industry to air its announcements together with their spots.
Although registered in London and active in England, Gambleaware (officially known as the Responsible Gambling Trust) also has sister charities in Ireland and Australia. Gambleaware’s mission is to help raise awareness about the detrimental effects of gambling addiction and to make it possible for those suffering from addiction to receive prompt and effective treatment.
