Former Deputy Labour Leader Takes £100K Retainer to Advise Flutter

Flutter Entertainment, the company behind Paddy Power, PokerStars and Sky Betting and Gaming, has coughed up an estimated £100K retainer to secure the former deputy Labour Leader as its new gambling advisor. The outspoken Watson is known for being passionate when it comes to gambling reform and his new role will require him to deliver expertise from the shop floor to online gaming.

But it’s safe to say, his role won’t be easy, what with the company being famous for flouting the rules. Only a few months ago, Huddersfield Town who sponsor Paddy Power, were fined £50K for ignoring the rules set out before them by the Football Association. They were even warned prior to kick-off that if they proceeded with their bold kit choice, there would be consequences. Ann Hough, the team’s operations manager claimed the shirt was a spoof but carried on regardless with a whopping great logo running from right hip to left shoulder and it screamed ‘Paddy Power!’

Everything’s Just Fine

In 2018, the company was fined by the UK Gambling Commission to the tune of £2.2million for failing to protect its most vulnerable customers and for allowing stolen money to be spent on the Paddy Power Betfair platform. One of the men identified in their investigation, Simon Price, stole £900K from Birmingham Dogs Home where he worked at the time, and as a result, he was sentenced to 4-years behind bars! The fine saw £1.7million going to Gamble Aware and the stolen money was returned to the charity.

Tom Watson commented: “I have a long-standing interest in this sector and consistently called for action to protect those that may be potentially vulnerable to harm. In taking on this role in Flutter, I intend to get under the bonnet of the business - and the industry more widely - to understand how best to further develop and implement industry leading responsible gambling policies. I strongly believe that working collaboratively with Flutter in this way will allow me to continue to drive positive change.”

Flutter Group CEO Peter Jackson said: “Bringing in someone with Tom’s gambling reform background is an important part of my commitment to lead the industry’s race to the top. We have to work harder than ever before to find a way to continue to bring great products and brands to our customers while always having the need to protect the vulnerable clearly in mind. Tom will hold a mirror up to help us make sure we are getting this balance right and I welcome the opportunity to work with him and hear what he has to say in coming months.”

In 2020, Flutter Entertainment merged with The Stars Group to become the world’s largest online operator with a portfolio of leading brands including Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Betting and Gaming, FanDuel and Sportsbet, PokerStars and many more! It’s estimated the merger now sees the company offering entertainment to more than 13million customers around the globe and it’s Watson’s job to make sure they do it responsibly while offering gambling help to those who need it!