Ladbrokes defends UK gov after William Hill chief's attack
Ladbrokes refused to criticise UK government policy on gambling companies today amid speculation that the British bookmaker will follow rival William Hill and move offshore.
LADBROKES REFUSED to criticise UK government policy on gambling companies today amid speculation that the British bookmaker will follow rival William Hill and move offshore.
As reported on EGRmagazine.com earlier, William Hill boss Ralph Topping criticised the British government for failing to “stick to policy” on gambling following the review it initiated back in 2001, which he said was the reason behind his announcing that William Hill is moving its online gambling and fixed odds games business offshore to Gibraltar.
However, although Ladbrokes hinted yesterday that it might follow William Hill offshore, when asked today if they felt the UK government had treated the industry badly, a spokesman said: “No, it’s a difficult issue for the government and there are a whole host of issues to deal with.”
Ladbrokes acknowledged the commercial sense in relocating was “overwhelming,” but would not be drawn on whether it would announce the move of its online betting division this week.
Any announcement is expected to combine with the publication of its half yearly results on Thursday this week. Ladbrokes’ online gaming division is already based in Gibraltar.