Recently, the Guardian found some disturbing evidence about Ladbrokes and its staff policies. This is because according to their report, staffs are encouraging customers to play slot machines. However, some say Ladbrokes’ New Policies Creates Conflict of Interest with Stopping Problem Gambling. Thus, gambling regulators want assurances that the company is doing its best to stop problem gambling.
This all began when Ladbrokes made a new sales incentive policy last year to its employees. In most cases, such policies are normal for a company. However, the reason is probably because the government wants to reduce the maximum stake on lucrative fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs).
Thus, Ladbrokes new policy is to equalize their profit margin if the government is able to decrease maximum FOBTs stake.
New Ladbrokes Policy to Increase Revenue
According to gambling analysts like iGamingKO.com, the new policies’ performance targets are essentially there to increase revenue. Furthermore, the new policies target increasing revenues for online casino, slot games, self-serving betting terminals and new online accounts.
These new policies were made available when three employees at Ladbrokes came forward with them to the public. According to their statements, this new policy can demote or dismiss employees if they do not reach their target goals.
However, employees believe that this creates a conflict of interest for them. According to one shop manager, this is because they have to abide by the “the Gambling Commission’s responsible gambling objectives.” Thus, sports betting shop employees feel like they have to do whatever it takes to keep their job. In some cases, this has led to creating fake online accounts and even ignoring the responsible gaming rules.
According to Carolyn Harris the Labour MP, this policy is at odds with industry regulations. She said that “Bookmaker staff are clearly being put in an impossible position”. Thus, “Ladbrokes and others acting in this way need to sharpen up their act and do so quickly.
The said they would speak to Ladbrokes about these claims by the Guardian. Ladbrokes on the other hand said that it is normal procedures for any company to increase their online offerings. In order for them to continue their services, multi-channel betting is critical. Otherwise it will lead to shop closures and job losses.