Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has lost his appeal against a proposed suspension from the House of Commons following his involvement in a gambling-related lobbying sting operation. The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) dismissed his appeal as the UK prepares to enter the next stage of consultations on its upcoming gambling white paper.

The Parliament Condemned Benton’s Conduct

Mr. Benton was suspended from the Tory parliamentary party in April after an undercover investigation by The Times revealed that he was willing to break lobbying rules for money. In the gambling-related lobbying sting, Benton suggested to undercover reporters that he would agree to receive payment to assist a fake lobbying company by providing it with confidential documents.

The standards committee found that Benton’s actions constituted a substantial breach of regulations and recommended a 35-day suspension. Despite the MP denying his wrongdoing, the IEP ruled that they found his arguments insubstantial and upheld the suspension. Now, MPs will vote on the punishment, and if passed, triggering a recall petition and a possible by-election.

Taking all these matters into account, we are satisfied that there is no substance in the Appellant’s grounds.

IEP statement

Benton’s conduct caused significant controversy, receiving descriptions like “corrupt” and “for sale.” By undermining the Parliament’s reputation, Benton effectively violated Paragraph 17 of the House of Commons Code of Conduct, which states that members should undertake actions that could cause significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons or its members.

UK’s Gambling Reform Faces Ongoing Challenges

In response to this newest ruling,  Benton expressed deep disappointment and accused the appeals process of regular leaks to the press. He emphasized his continued work for his constituents throughout the probe and claimed the process lacked fairness. While Benton admitted he had a lapse of judgment, the MP protested that his punishment was disproportionate.

This scandal further inflames the ongoing debates regarding the UK’s gambling white paper, which should reinvent the country’s gambling regulations. During the sting operation, Benton admitted that other MPs were willing to collaborate, highlighting how bad actors could attempt to subvert the much-needed reforms as the UK struggles with rising problem gambling rates.

Benton’s suspension highlights the growing tensions amidst the UK’s gambling reforms. Lawmakers have urged the government to hasten the consultation process and finalize the white paper, noting that further delays could have significant repercussions. This lobbying controversy is a potent reminder that some industry members may not share the same customer protection-focused priorities.

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A brewing clash between proponents and opponents of a proposed casino at the iconic Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach is expected to take center stage in Tallahassee next week, as state lawmakers gear up for a heated debate.

Opposition Mounts Against Fontainebleau Casino Plans in South Florida

A coalition of influential South Florida business figures, including billionaire auto magnate Norman Braman and developer Armando Codina, is spearheading a vigorous lobbying effort aimed at derailing legislation that would pave the way for a Las Vegas-style casino at the Fontainebleau, reported the Miami Herald. The group, joined by Miami Beach city officials and residents, is vehemently opposed to the expansion of casino gambling in the area.

Braman, echoing the sentiments of many in the community, emphasized in an interview that they did not want casino gambling there, stating it was just that simple. 

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner underscored the unity among local leaders, expressing his belief that they all felt very strongly about the matter and were united on it.

The contentious proposal, embodied in Senate Bill 1054 and House Bill 1127, is slated for its inaugural hearing before state lawmakers on February 5. While the Senate Regulated Industries Committee has confirmed its agenda, House Republican leaders remain tight-lipped about the bill’s fate.

The debate has drawn high-profile figures into the fray, including billionaire hedge funder Ken Griffin, who penned a scathing op-ed condemning the proposed legislation. Griffin warned of the adverse effects of casino expansion, citing research linking it to gambling addiction, increased crime rates, and declining property values.

Meanwhile, the proposal’s sponsor, state Rep. Alex Rizo, has faced scrutiny for his ties to Jeff Soffer, the billionaire owner of the Fontainebleau. Soffer, who has long sought to establish a casino at the resort, has reportedly funneled significant sums into political contributions, raising concerns about undue influence.

Opponents of the casino plan have found a powerful ally in Griffin, whose vocal opposition adds weight to their cause. Griffin’s staunch stance against the legislation reflects a broader sentiment among Miami-Dade residents and lawmakers, who view the proposed casino as a threat to their community’s well-being.

Sen. Shevrin Jones, representing West Park, emphasized the need to respect the will of the people and urged legislators to reject the casino proposal. Similarly, Miami Republicans, including Sen. Bryan Avila and Ileana Garcia, have voiced reservations about the initiative, signaling potential roadblocks ahead.

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Independent British MP Scott Benton is facing a 35-day suspension from Parliament because of a significant gambling-related violation. Earlier this year, the politician was caught red-handed trying to set up a lobbying scheme with fake gambling company representatives.

A former Conservative, Benton was removed as a Tory MP in April after an investigation discovered his involvement in the lobbying effort. According to earlier reports, Benton offered to lobby ministers during a meeting with The Times newspaper agents who posed as members of an Indian gambling company called Tahr Partners. The undercover journalists sought advice from Benton, saying that their business seeks to extend its involvement with the United Kingdom’s gambling industry.

During his dealing with the fake agents, Benton offered to provide the faux Indian company with confidential government documents, implied that other MPs would be willing to support Tahr Partners if provided with favorable offers, said that he could possibly cash in some favors to support the company’s goals and provide the representatives with access to the white paper’s contents more than 2 days before it was officially published.

Because of that, Benton was described as “corrupt” and “for sale” in a House of Commons Committee on Standards report. The report said that Benton has “communicated a toxic message” about the Parliament’s standards.

We condemn Mr Benton for his comments which unjustifiably tarnish the reputation of all MPs.

House of Commons Committee on Standards, Second Report of Session 2023–24 excerpt

Benton Does Not Believe He Has Violated Any Rules

By undermining the Parliament’s reputation, Benton effectively violated Paragraph 11 of the House of Commons Code of Conduct, which states that members should undertake actions that could cause significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons or its members.

Benton said that he doesn’t believe his actions have violated the House rules. He, however, admitted that his meeting with the undercover newspaper agents had been a “lapse in judgment.” Benton said that he regrets his statements and hopes to make amends throughout the remainder of his time in Parliament.
If the 35-day suspension is approved, a recall petition will be triggered. If the petition is signed by at least 10% of voters in his constituency, a by-election could be called in Blackpool South.

Should the House of Commons accept the recommended 35-day ban, it would trigger a recall petition, which allows voters to remove an MP. That scenario could lead to a by-election in Blackpool South.

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Documents obtained through a freedom of information request have exposed attempts by one of the United States’ largest online gambling operators to weaken rules aimed at protecting young and vulnerable individuals and addressing problem gambling.

FanDuel, owned by the Dublin-based gambling giant Flutter Entertainment, allegedly lobbied against a proposed ban on specific words and phrases that could attract potential problem gamblers to their platforms.

Problem-Gambling Advocates Slam “Industry Hypocrisy”

New York, the nation’s largest gambling market with over $2.1 billion wagered last month, has become a battleground for operators seeking dominance in the lucrative industry since the legalization surge following the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision.

The documents reveal FanDuel’s objections to proposed sports-betting advertising rules, particularly opposing restrictions on ads near college campuses where the legal age for gambling is 21. The company argued against a ban on using certain keywords to attract potential problem gamblers, claiming the rule was impractical and subjective, as reported by The Guardian.

Advocates for greater problem-gambling support expressed concern over the apparent hypocrisy of gambling companies that initially supported regulations before legalization but now seem intent on weakening them. 

Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a problem gambling lobbyist, stated that the industry is using responsible gambling practices to legalize markets but attempts to overturn regulations when influencing them.

FanDuel Calls Rules Subjective and Impractical in Real World Environment

FanDuel, which has not commented yet, has previously declared its commitment to player protection and promoting healthy gambling habits.

However, in a memo dated September 27, the New York State Gaming Commission’s general counsel, Edmund Burns, outlined FanDuel’s objections to rules prohibiting the use of keywords to attract potential problem gamblers. The company argued that the rule was subjective and impractical, likening it to a liquor store not being able to advertise to potential alcoholics.

Another contentious point was FanDuel’s objection to a ban on advertising near college campuses, arguing that the language was vague and could include unaffiliated residential and commercial areas nearby. The commission’s staff defended the ban, citing the need to prevent predatory marketing from reaching underage students.

The documents also revealed objections to rules for the fantasy sports market, with FanDuel opposing measures holding operators strictly liable for allowing prohibited individuals, such as minors, to use their platforms. The company also sought the removal of a rule requiring compulsive-gambling assistance messages in advertisements.

These revelations have sparked concerns among advocates and industry observers, highlighting the need for continued scrutiny and regulation to ensure the protection of consumers, particularly those vulnerable to problem gambling.

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The competition to snag one of the prized gaming licenses in New York is proving costly for interested casino operators, who have shelled out a total of $7.2 billion for lobbying and consulting since the bidding process started 14 months ago.

Since New York lawmakers voted in favor of making licenses available for three downstate casinos, there has been a race among gambling operators around the world to get in. So far, 10 companies have shown interest.

In order to gain a casino license, an operator has to be chosen by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, then must receive approval from the Gaming Commission. However, the company must also have the approval of the local Community Advisory Committee (CAC) – this is made up of the borough president, governor, mayor and local state senator, as well as a local city council member, among others, for a total of six members. 

This is where the lobbyists come in. Applicants need to have convinced at least four out of the six members of the CAC for their bid to see the light of day. License winners stand to gain as much as $2 billion annual revenue. 

Some of the operators in the running include Wynn Resorts partnering with Related Companies, Caesars Entertainment with SL Green and Roc Nation, Hard Rock International with Steve Cohen, Mohegan with Stefan Soloviev, and Las Vegas Sands with RXR Realty.

Based on public records, Malaysia-based Genting Group seems to be the highest spender. The group has spent about $2.7 million on lobbyists for the expansion of its Resorts World facility at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens. 

However, this rain of funds has caught the attention of public sector watchdog groups who see the probability of corruption in the lobbying process. Though there is no proof of corruption as it stands, bribery and racketeering scandals from other states have set a pattern. 

The New York state government has said it will not be awarding licenses till late in 2023.

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