Former Labour Deputy Leader Watson set for ICE VOX keynote

Tom Watson, the former Deputy Leader of the UK Labour Party, is to give the keynote speech at this year’s ICE VOX learning and networking event.

Watson’s speech ‘Reforming Gambling Policy – Uniting Stakeholders For A Positive Change’ will take place at 9.30am on 3 February at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London.

Having served as Deputy Leader of Labour since 2015, Watson stepped down from the role and moved away from mainstream politics prior to the 2019 UK General Election late last year.

Watson, a leading advocate of changes to the regulatory framework for gambling in the UK, will discuss how regulators and the industry can work towards develop a new, sustainable, future-proof model.

“The last major review of gambling regulation in the UK was conducted in 2001; since then society has been transformed by a revolution in technology which has reshaped the gambling landscape,” he said.

“With the British Government now committed to a further review, the challenge is to deliver change that is fit for the digital age, provides a safer environment for the consumer and a successful well regulated industry,” Watson explained. “At ICE VOX I hope to reach out to the international industry and regulators to explain the importance of introducing positive change and in the process, turn Britain’s regulation of gambling into an example to the world.”

Ewa Bakun, director of industry insight and engagement at Clarion Gaming, the organiser of ICE and parent company of iGaming Business, added: “Tom is a long-standing and vocal advocate of regulatory change in the UK, and has unquestionably been one of the most influential figures in British politics to inspire calls for the review of the 2005 Gambling Act – which has cross-party support and which the government has committed to.

“He has also been shaping the wider European narrative as the regulatory debates in the UK are being monitored and adopted by other, younger gambling jurisdictions.

“This represents a unique opportunity for the industry to hear and understand the debate from a policy-maker’s perspective in order to define the measures that are required to adapt to a truly consumer focused regulatory reality.”

Watson’s speech will only be open to ICE VOX pass holders. More information on the conference streams, and how to book a pass, is available here.