Entain has launched The Players’ Panel to give consumers a voice on the issues around betting and gambling in the UK.

This comes at a critical moment for the 99% of the UK’s consumers who bet safely and responsibly but whose interests are never taken into account in regulatory changes which impact what they do in their leisure time.

The Players’ Panel is drawn from Entain’s customers across the UK on a voluntary, unpaid basis. It is a platform for them to speak out on issues such as the future of betting, freedom of choice, funding for sports and gaming trends. The views of the Players’ Panel are their own and they will be interacting with political decision-makers, stakeholders and the media to give the perspective of the day-to-day customer.

This comes as the government seeks evidence and data to shape the future of betting regulations through the review of the Gambling Act. Entain is supporting the Panel because it believes that millions of consumers who enjoy placing a bet responsibly deserve to have their opinions heard and for a balanced debate to happen.

Members of the panel include a retired printer, a customer service executive, a library worker and a health and safety executive.

Elizabeth (36), a health and safety executive from Walsall, said: “There are loads of people like me who play a little slots and bingo for fun. Until now we didn’t have any voice in the elite debate about gambling – even though it’s our hobby that’s being discussed.

No one wants to see kids betting or people putting themselves at risk, but freedom of choice and personal responsibility are also really important. There must be more that can be done to protect people, but we have to get the right balance.”

Ken (55), a library worker from Newcastle, said: “Betting is my enjoyment. Some people go to the cinema or theatre or just have a couple of beers – all good social outlets which cost a bit of money – and for me it’s bingo and sports betting. Like most people I’m fair with my betting. The small amount that I am prepared to lose is around the cost of two pints of beer a week, and I believe I get good value for money. There are so many people out there like me and I’m glad to get our voice heard through The Players’ Panel.”

“Betting and gambling is a popular pastime for many people, yet the individuals who take part in it regularly and recreationally are rarely asked their opinion.

“At Entain we are committed to putting our customers first, and the Players’ Panel is an additional way to ensure that the voice of our regular customers, are considered in the debate about the future of our industry”. said Grainne Hurst, Entain’s Corporate Affairs Director.