Ladbrokes may face UKGC probe over compromised customer data

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is said to be considering launching an investigation into Ladbrokes’ data protection measures after information about people suffering from gambling addiction was found in a bin bag outside one of the bookmaker’s betting shops in Scotland.

According to The Guardian, the information was discovered by a passer-by near to a Ladbrokes branch in Glasgow.

The data included the names, photos and addresses of people who have opted in to the ‘Moses’ self-exclusion scheme to suspend themselves from gambling, but did not include other critical information such as bank account numbers and betting history.

Tim Miller, executive director at the UKGC, said the national regulatory body will look into why sensitive data such as this was not disposed of in a way that would ensure customers’ personal details were protected.

“Customers trust that their personal data will be collected carefully and then protected properly,” Miller said.

“We expect gambling operators to adhere to all data protection laws or regulations, which are enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

“In an instance where personal data has been breached, we would expect operators to do whatever they can to mitigate any harm caused.”

In response, a Ladbrokes spokesperson said the bookmaker is taking the case “extremely seriously” and will undertake a “full investigation”, while it is also understood that the company has written to all of its shops to remind them of how to dispose of such data properly.

Marc Etches, chief executive of charity GambleAware, has hit out at the incident, saying he hopes it will not discourage other problem gamblers from seeking help.

Etches added: “We really hope this situation does not put anyone off using self-exclusion, as research we published in March found that 83% of those who have used it found the scheme to be effective, although we would always recommend professional treatment alongside such measures.

“Self-exclusion is often a last resort for those already suffering from a gambling addiction and it’s important we identify those who are at risk as early as possible and prevent problems developing.”

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