Gambling companies are under fire for offering high-spending customers all-expenses-paid trips and hospitality tickets as part of VIP schemes, which campaigners say target addicts. The perks, including free holidays and tickets to major sporting events, are designed to keep the most lucrative customers betting.
One finance director lost £900,000 while receiving dozens of free tickets to events at Wembley, Cheltenham and Ascot. Another addict, who had lost £250,000, was lured back with offers of tickets to the Champions League, the Grand National and the World Snooker Championship final.
Major bookmakers such as Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill, 888Sport and Betfred operate VIP schemes with tiered membership levels. For example, Ladbrokes and Coral require deposits of £4,000 a month for Gold status, which includes a dedicated customer service line, exclusive promotions and event invitations. William Hill boasts 'red-carpet attention' for its invitation-only VIP Club.
MPs have called for the Gambling Commission to investigate. Carolyn Harris, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling, said: 'It never fails to amaze me how low the industry is prepared to go.' Iain Duncan Smith added: 'Human lives matter more than gambling companies' profits.'
Recovering addict Terry White, who lost £250,000, said: 'In my experience they are actively targeting addicts.' The Gambling Commission has been urged to hold a root-and-branch inquiry into the practices.
