Responsible Affiliates in Gambling (RAiG) has welcomed the Government’s long-awaited review of the Gambling Act 2005. RAiG’s core aim is to foster wider initiatives in the UK affiliate marketing sector to promote social responsibility and create a safer gambling environment for consumers.
RAiG members have been at the forefront of voluntary industry action to ensure online gambling is conducted in a safe, properly regulated environment. This review, which will examine the ongoing promotion and regulation of gambling companies and products will give both industry and the Government an opportunity to assess what new law and regulation best fits changing consumer consumption of gambling products.
Clive Hawkswood, RAiG’s outgoing chair commented:
‘I urge everyone in the affiliate sector to get behind RAiG and get involved with the gambling review. Through the review, established industry practices, some of which did not exist in their present form back in 2005, will be put under scrutiny. To sit on the side lines and hope for the best would be a terrible gamble for affiliates. This is only right and proper as such commercial practices did not exist in their present form back in 2005. RAiG is leading the way in ensuring the sector raises standards and demonstrates that it can be relied upon to act responsibly.’
Clive Hawkswood has been RAiG’s chairman since its launch in 2019.
‘During the Autumn I advised the RAiG Board that I intended to step down as its Chair. Given my other commitments it was clear to me that I would not have the time to do full justice to the role once the Government’s gambling review got into full swing. We have used the intervening period to address RAiG’s work programme for next year with the pending review in mind.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved at RAiG who, from the first day, have been extremely helpful and supportive.’
The new RAiG Chair is Cian Nugent from Racing Post. Commenting on his appointment Mr Nugent said: ‘I’m pleased to be able to represent our industry during the crucial next phase in the development of policy and regulation of the gambling sector. Our focus will be on education and lobbying and engaging constructively with the Government and interested politicians. Affiliates play a key role in providing enjoyable and safe environments for consumers – facts which we want to see recognised in any new laws governing our industry.’
In addition, RAiG is appointing a strengthened advisory team to assist the association with its responses to the Government review as well as wider political engagement to ensure the industry is better understood in Westminster and Whitehall; as well as help work more closely with the rest of the betting and gambling industry.
