Trade body slams report

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), a gambling industry trade body, has denied claims that leading betting operators in the United Kingdom gained access to data on 28 million children and students.

using the data to increase the number of young people wagering online

These claims were made following an investigation by The Sunday Times. The newspaper alleged that betting operators, including the likes of 32Red and Betfair, were using the data to increase the number of young people wagering online.

GB Group in the spotlight

The newspaper’s claims revolve around GB Group, a data intelligence company based in England. GB Group was contracted via another company to access the Learning Records Service.

According to The Sunday Times, betting operators gained access to the database. It contains the names, ages, and addresses of 28 million children and students across the United Kingdom.

It has been reported that the Department of Education (DfE) closed the database and contacted the Information Commissioner’s Office when the allegations came to light.

According to the BGC, the media reports are completely untrue. Responding to the allegations, the trade body said: “The only information GB Group provides is confirmation or rejection that the applicant is over the age of 18.”

Betfair and 32Red called out

32Red and Betfair were called out as two of the gaming companies that had accessed the data on young people. Both companies were said to have access to the database, and both have denied these claims.

32Red released a statement calling the claims untrue. The online gambling operator said it uses the information to verify that a person is over the age of 18 when creating an account. The company said it has not accessed data that provides specific details about an individual.

vital for reports to be based on facts and remain accurate

A spokesperson for 32Red pointed out that they understand the current heightened scrutiny on the gambling sector, emphasizing how the company feels that it is vital for reports to be based on facts and remain accurate.

Flutter Entertainment, parent company of Betfair, also released a statement denying the claims reported by The Sunday Times. Flutter simply stated that it uses the data from GB Group to ensure that no customers can create an account without confirming they are 18 years of age.