Sportingbet - UK Government Little Support

Published: Friday, December 01, 2006 Online-Casinos.com

UK GOVERNMENT GAVE US LITTLE SUPPORT DURING U.S. CRISIS SAYS TOP ONLINE GAMBLING EXEC

Plain speaking from the new CEO at Sportingbet

The newly appointed CEO at UK gambling group Sportingbet, Andrew McIver has wasted no time making his feeling known to the British government in the wake of the events surrounding the U.S. Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

Speaking at the publication of the company's first quarter results, he blasted the UK government for its lack of support during the recent crisis affecting the listed online gaming operators in the US, saying: "We are disappointed with the lack of support the industry has received from the UK government prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act."

Sportingbet has been hit badly by the passing of the Act, having been forced to sell its US-facing sportsbook operations and closing its Paradise Poker offering to US customers.

A spokesperson for Sportingbet added that comments from UK Secretary of State Tessa Jowell regarding the UK government's opposition to prohibition of online gaming were "too little too late".

The exit from the UK was reflected in the figures which have seen the company take an exceptional charge of GBP252 million (US$496 million).

McIver said that in difficult circumstances he was "delighted" with the progress that has been made in the quarter. He added the company would now focus on reducing its cost base and increase profitability.