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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In the aftermath of former State Representative Sean Eberhart’s guilty plea to federal corruption charges, the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the integrity of the gaming industry. 

IGC Operations Remain Unscathed Amidst Corruption Allegations

Despite the gravity of the corruption case, IGC Deputy Director Jennifer Reske assured the public that the IGC’s operations would not be significantly affected. 

Eberhart’s plea involved allegations that he accepted a position with Spectacle Gaming, complete with a substantial $350,000 annual salary, in exchange for supporting Gaming Bill HEA 1015 in 2019. This bill, which had far-reaching implications for the state’s gaming industry, now stands at the center of the corruption charges.

The purported offense occurred several years ago, specifically in late 2018 and early 2019. According to legal records, during this period, Spectacle Entertainment, a gaming company, expressed interest in acquiring licenses for two Indiana-based casinos. 

In Indiana, obtaining approval for the purchase and relocation of casino licenses requires endorsement from the state’s legislators. Typically, such approvals are facilitated through the passage of bills. 

Eberhart’s guilty plea in the case, involving charges of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, could lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. However, Judge Matthew P. Brookman of the Southern District Court of Indiana has not yet set a date for sentencing.

Corruption Concerns Prompt Indiana Leaders to Exclude Gaming Legislation in 2024

Legislative leaders, including House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, have unanimously decided to exclude any gaming-related bills from the 2024 legislative agenda. The decision reflects Indiana’s commitment to restoring public confidence in the integrity of the Statehouse. 

Bray emphasized the challenges posed by corruption, asserting that it tainted the Statehouse and diminished the confidence people had in the integrity of the Statehouse.

The IGC’s alignment with this decision underscores its dedication to ensuring the gaming industry’s integrity rather than pursuing immediate legislative changes.

Deputy Director Reske reiterated the commission’s support for the US Department of Justice’s efforts in investigating Eberhart’s dealings with Spectacle. Reske affirmed that the commission highly appreciated the efforts of the Department of Justice and the initiatives they were undertaking, not only within the state but also in other states, to combat public corruption. She further expressed the commission’s commitment to providing as much support as possible.

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Italian soccer pro Nicolo Fagioli was recently suspended for betting on sports and breaching Article 24 of the Sporting Justice Code. The Juventus midfielder later claimed that he was introduced to the gambling scheme by Sandro Tonali. In line with Fagioli’s reveal, Paolo Jarre, the doctor responsible for the soccer player’s gambling treatment, said that there are likely many others involved in the scandal.

Jarre recently discussed Fagioli’s gambling addiction with La Gazzetta dello Sport. In addition to saying that the Juventus midfielder’s condition is not as bad as it could have been, the doctor suggested that other players likely participated in the scheme too.

Referring to Fagioli as a polite and subdued man, Jarre said that the soccer pro is statistically unlikely to have been the only player to gamble. As the situation continues to unfold, more players are likely to be incriminated and serve suspensions.

Currently, Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo are also under scrutiny over similar violations.

Fagioli’s Career Isn’t Over yet

Speaking about Fagioli’s case with La Gazzetta, Jarre said that the player was aware that his betting adventure could lead to a long suspension. For reference, the player will be suspended for 12 months but will serve only 7 of them away from the field. The remaining 5 months will see the midfielder make up for his violation in other ways.

Seeking to reassure Fagioli that his career isn’t over, Jarre reminded the player about Paolo Rossi, who previously won a World Cup even after committing a betting violation. The doctor also said that the player is quickly recovering and does not feel a strong urge to wager anymore.

While Jarre was mostly positive about Fagioli’s case, he pointed out that gambling problems are a real disease and must be treated.

Gambling Was a Pastime Until It Was Not

Fagioli says he started gambling in 2021 after allegedly getting introduced to a site that leaves no trace by Tonali. The former player eventually placed wagers on soccer matches, tennis games and played casino games.

At first, it was a nice pastime but sadly, Fagioli quickly developed an addiction and got into debt. The Italian player revealed that he had even received threats because of some of his debts.

Fagioli concluded that he intends to pay back all of the money he took from friends and companions.

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A recent case involving an unnamed English professional soccer manager has raised eyebrows as the Football Association (FA) decided not to sanction the individual despite evidence of substantial gambling activity. The manager’s betting activities came to light during an alleged blackmail case, further complicating the situation. The FA’s leniency starkly contrasts its recent punishment of high-profile players, garnering significant criticism.

The Alleged Offender Placed Regular Wagers

The manager’s identity remains protected by a court order regarding a 2022 blackmail case, which saw him accuse two professional soccer players, Alan Rogers and Steven Jennings, of extorting him. Both athletes denied the charges, and the manager ultimately withdrew his allegations, stating he wished to move on with his life.

However, court documents regarding the extortion case revealed the unnamed manager had engaged in extensive gambling, wagering £879,000 ($1.1 million) over two years. During this time, he incurred losses of £270,000 ($334,000). His bets notably extended to soccer matches within his league, but the data shows he did not bet on his team.

Such gambling behavior is strictly prohibited and can result in severe punishments. The FA has significantly tightened its enforcement policy, making its decision to pardon the manager highly puzzling. The Association likely decided that taking action could reveal the manager’s identity and risk legal action. However, this lack of enforcement has given rise to accusations of double standards and inconsistent enforcement.

Athletes Faced Harsh Punishments for Much Less

The FA’s renewed focus on sports integrity saw it sanction several high-profile athletes like Harry Toffolo, Chris Maguire, and Ivan Toney. The athletes may face significant repercussions for their careers, highlighting the Association’s focus on preventing potential conflicts of interest and maintaining a level playing field for all participants. 

By strictly enforcing these regulations, the FA hoped to demonstrate it would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the sport’s integrity. However, the decision not to sanction the unnamed manager severely undermines the Association’s image and casts a negative light on its harsh policies. The FA likely had valid reasons to avoid pressing the issue, but other offending individuals may attempt to use this ruling to avoid sanctions.

Although the contrast with the strict punishment meted out to Ivan Toney has fueled controversy and raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the FA’s approach, sports integrity must remain a priority. This case should prompt the Association to implement new policies and ensure that similar offenses cannot avoid sanctions in the future, promoting fairness and transparency.

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The University of Iowa has announced that 11 of its current student-athletes are set to face NCAA eligibility impacts in the aftermath of a comprehensive sports wagering inquiry that spanned over three months. The Iowa athletics department unveiled the reinstatement “determinations” by the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement (SAR) staff in a press release on August 22.

Athletes Not Linked to Probe Await NCAA Verdict

While the identities of the affected athletes are yet to be disclosed, the university has clarified that the release of specifics will be contingent upon receiving consent from the individuals involved, as required by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The institution is striving to adhere to legal and ethical considerations while sharing information.

The NCAA had introduced revised guidelines earlier in the summer, outlining a spectrum of penalties ranging from mandatory sports wagering education to the potential forfeiture of collegiate eligibility for good. The consequences appear especially dire for current Iowa football players Aaron Blom, a kicker, and Jak Johnson, a wide receiver, both of whom face allegations of tampering with records and accusations of placing bets on their own team.

The gravity of the repercussions remains unclear for athletes not implicated in the ongoing criminal probe. Iowa’s interim athletics director, Beth Goetz, stated last week that while the prescribed penalties are widely known, the NCAA’s approach typically includes factoring in mitigating circumstances that could have contributed to the violations.

Iowa Universities Grapple with Gambling Scandal Fallout

The University of Iowa’s response to the NCAA’s decisions underscores its commitment to the well-being and rights of its student-athletes. The institution is firmly in favor of those individuals opting to appeal the SAR staff’s decisions. The university pledged to provide unwavering support to student-athletes pursuing the appeal process.

The ripple effects of the investigation have extended beyond the confines of Iowa City. Iowa State University is facing a similar gambling inquiry, with approximately 15 student-athletes reportedly under scrutiny. However, as of the most recent update, the school has not made any announcements concerning eligibility determinations.

Last week Iowa State University’s football program faced turmoil as starting defensive lineman Isaiah Lee departed amid an ongoing gambling investigation. Lee, accused of betting on Iowa State sports, including games involving his own team, potentially jeopardizes his athletic eligibility under NCAA regulations. The scandal has impacted other players, including quarterback Hunter Dekkers, prompting the university to collaborate with the NCAA to address eligibility concerns.

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