How influential is the gambling lobby in Westminster? The MPs who defend betting firms - Uncovered podcast

There is a powerful gambling lobby in Westminster, with evidence that several MPs have spoken up in defence of the industry in parliamentary debates, after receiving gifts of tickets and hospitality worth thousands of pounds.

These included prestigious events like Wimbledon, Euro 2020 and the Cheltenham Festival.

This episode of Uncovered looks at the findings in a series of articles by Ethan Shone, Investigative Reporter with NationalWorld, on the influence of the gambling lobby within  Westminster.

The findings have caused concern among gambling reform groups that companies are embarking on a “charm offensive” to influence MPs, while a review of the Gambling Act 2005 is underway.

Clean Up Gambling has branded the Parliamentary Commissioner Standards “not fit for purpose” amid warnings that the gambling lobby has ramped up lobbying efforts ahead of a white paper on reform for the sector.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of the Clean Up Gambling campaign, also features on the podcast directly criticising MPs for misleading the public during these debates in Westminster.

Uncovered is a NationalWorld podcast series that goes behind the headlines to give you an in-depth look at the stories that matter.

You can listen to the podcast in full below, and subscribe on any platform, including Apple and Spotify.

Uncovered goes behind the headlines to give you an in-depth look at the stories that matter. On each episode Kelly Crichton is joined by the NationalWorld reporters who are working to bring information to light and hold those in power accountable.

Uncovered reveals the journalistic work that goes into the team’s investigations, and highlights important stories we think you need to know about but have gone uncovered in the wider media.