Justin Tomlinson with the William Hill staff
Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, last Friday visited his local William Hill shop on Cricklade Road in Gorse Hill to meet with local staff and customers. The visit was an opportunity to learn more about the issues affecting the betting industry, the industry’s economic contribution and to participate in a charity bet. It was also a chance for Justin to discuss his ideas about the betting industry with staff and customers.
Justin has been a leading voice in Parliament for consumer rights, focusing on the importance of ensuring that consumers can make informed decisions. He has have met with payday lenders, pawnbrokers and loan sharks pushing the need to clearly display the cost of loans in cash terms.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “The same principle can and should be applied to the betting industry. For example, clearly displaying on betting machines the percentage of takings that are paid out in prize money. That way, people can make an informed decision when choosing to play those machines or place a bet.”
During his visit, Justin met with local members of staff, was shown a variety of betting and gaming activities available and was informed about the strict responsible gambling procedures which William Hill adhere to. This includes built in delays to slow down the rate at which you can bet via the gaming machines and exclusion forms to help those with gambling problems. Justin also raised his ideas about how bookmakers can help their customers make an informed decision when it comes to gambling.
At the end of his visit, William Hill gave Justin a free £50 charity bet which would see any winnings going to a charity of Justin’s choice.
Justin backed Swindon Town to beat Leyton Orient in Saturday’s match. Unfortunately despite Justin’s backing, Swindon Town failed to secure victory losing 0-1 and ending Swindon’s long unbeaten home record of 29 games that stretched back to August last year. William Hill will however honour the bet and Justin will be directing the money in the direction of a local good cause.
Justin Tomlinson MP said, “It was great to come and see for myself how a betting shop actually operates. I was interested to hear and learn more about the betting industry and was impressed with not only the range of service and activities provided, but also with the responsible procedures in place to tackle under-age and problem gambling. I am particularly grateful to William Hill for their generous charity bet”
Lewis Rogers, William Hill’s Public Affairs Manager, commented,
“William Hill was very pleased to welcome local MP Justin Tomlinson to one of our shops to highlight the positive contribution we make to the local community. William Hill is proud of its economic contribution providing over 13 000 jobs across the UK with half of those jobs for women and a third for those aged 18-24.”
Justin Tomlinson MP with the Shop Manager and Regional Manager
Justin Tomlinson MP tries the gaming machine