Weekend Report: Labour MP urges Channel 4 to stop gambling ads, Caesars expands reach in Washington

Labour MP calls on Channel 4 to drop gambling adverts

First, Labour MP Alex Sobel has written to UK broadcaster Channel 4 urging it to become the first channel to stop airing gambling adverts. Sobel has targeted Channel 4 as it is in public ownership, allowing it more freedom over such issues.

According to the Independent, Sobel referenced Channel 4 as a broadcaster that challenges “the status quo”. He also said he would be willing to work with Channel 4 on the initiative in the longer term.

“Removing gambling advertising from broadcast and on-demand television would provide another layer of protection for those vulnerable to gambling-related harms, and help [curb] the increase in gambling activity among new demographics targeted by the gambling industry,” Sobel said in the letter.

Australia minister issues “unintended consequences” warning over gambling ad ban 

On the subject of advertising, a government minister in Australia has issued a warning over impending changes to rules in the country. Communications minister Michelle Rowland said it is important the government speaks to and considers all stakeholders before making a decision on gambling advertising policy.

Reports suggest the government will stop short of an outright ban on gambling adverts, but it is likely the new rules will significantly cut back on advertising across many areas.

“The last time that these rules were tinkered with, it actually resulted in an increase in advertising, and particularly in some regional areas,” Rowland told Sky News. “We want to ensure that we don’t have unintended consequences, that it is comprehensive.

“This is a matter that should have been dealt with a decade ago, and in that time, we’ve seen an over reliance on online wagering advertising develop.”

EveryMatrix welcomes new CPO

Elsewhere, EveryMatrix has announced the appointment of Kevin Furlong as its new group chief product officer. In the new role, Furlong will assume responsibility for product strategy across all the supplier’s multiple business units.

This will include working with EveryMatrix’s modular casino, sports, platform, affiliate and payments products including CasinoEngine, OddsMatrix, GamMatrix, PartnerMatrix and MoneyMatrix.

Furlong brings more than 20 years’ industry experience to the position, having served in a range of senior roles at Entain, GVC, Bwin and Paddy Power. He will report to Group CEO and co-founder Ebbe Groes.

Caesars launches mobile sports betting at Washington’s Muckleshoot Casino Resort 

Moving to the US, Caesars Entertainment has rolled out mobile sports betting at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington. Players aged 21 and over can now download the Caesars Sportsbook Muckleshoot app and place bets while physically present on the property.

The new app extends the sports betting experience beyond the on-site Caesars Sportsbook at Muckleshoot. The physical sportsbook accepted its first bets in 2022.

“The launch of our new mobile betting app represents a significant milestone for Muckleshoot Casino Resort, enhancing our offerings and providing guests with an even more convenient and immersive sports betting experience,” said Muckleshoot Casino Resort CEO Tim Perkins.

MLB star demoted over late-night casino trip

And finally, Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise the Washington Nationals has demoted shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues after he stayed out all night at a casino in Chicago.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, All-Star Abrams only left the casino a few hours before the Nationals’ game against the Chicago Cubs. Abrams led off for the Nationals but went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout.

Gambling at a casino is not against MLB rules. However, Nationals manager Dave Martinez deemed Abrams’s behaviour worthy of a demotion. As such, Abrams has been sent to West Palm Beach in Florida, the home of the team’s minor league complex.