Derek Webb: ‘I’m not a dodgy donor – I have no commercial interest in my campaign to reform gambling’
Derek Webb, the founder and key figure at the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, wrote an opinion piece this week on Labour List, the authoritative forum for news, information and debate for party followers. Independent of Labour, but “a trusted friend”, Webb wanted to respond to criticisms, lodged primarily by Coinslot over his position on gambling, his evidence to support the anti-gambling movement and, of course, his relationship to the Labour Party. Coinslot, reached out to Labour List for permission to feature the full commentary, which they have kindly granted. Coinslot has also reached out to Derek Webb to discuss the future of gambling on the UK’s high streets. The headline above is the Labour List headline. The article that follows is Derek Webb’s full opinion piece.
Re-branded EAG360 gears up for 2027 expo with appointment of experienced sales lead
The newly rebranded EAG360 has appointed Steve James as sales lead ahead of the 2027 expo taking place at Excel London. Bringing four decades of experience and a track record of generating millions in revenue, James will drive growth across the co-located CompSocUK, London Gaming Show and Amuse Expo.
JD Wetherspoon issues rebuttal to FT’s claim the chain is “making more from gambling than food”
JD Wetherspoon has issued a response to claims published by the Financial Times that the pub group is making “more from gambling than food,” stating that machines across its 800-strong estate accounted for just 3.4 percent of sales in 2025, with food sales more than ten times larger.
Eight arrested, cash and machines seized as joint forces raid two illegal gambling dens in Doncaster
Eight people were arrested last month as part of Operation Snaresbrook, which saw the Gambling Commission join forces with South Yorkshire Police, the City of Doncaster Council’s trading standards and licensing teams to raid two illegal gambling venues.
Fantasy Island “passing on 100 percent” of VAT cut to customers
Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells has confirmed it is passing on “100 percent” of the summer VAT cut to customers, telling the BBC “we felt it was completely the right thing to do.”
Is a radical tax model for gaming machines a massive own goal?
The Social Market Foundation’s tax proposals unveiled this week provided an interesting insight to the mindset of both the organisation itself and the political church it’s trying to preach to.
EAG rebrand champions ‘The Smile Economy’ as organisers lay the foundation stones for growth and development
EAG has completed a rebrand, the first undertaken since it emerged from ATEI. Centred on the concept of ‘The Smile Economy’, the new-look EAG 360 introduces a clear brand hierarchy and structure, creates scope for growth through the addition of complementary co-located events, and reinforces the exhibition’s status as a hub of innovation, inspiration and the place to do business.
Eastbourne MP launches campaign to safeguard the future of Eastbourne Pier
The future of Eastbourne Pier has been thrust into the political spotlight as the seaside resort’s MP has reacted swiftly to the uncertain ownership of the attraction by launching a petition as well as petitioning the government to help the Pier survive.
Laser Quest highlights the growing importance of “experience stacking”
Laser Quest GB has highlighted the growing role of “experience stacking” in the leisure and hospitality sector.
UKHospitality urges flexibility on flexible working regulations
UKHospitality has urged the Government to avoid unnecessarily over-regulating flexible work as it consults on reforms relating to zero-hours and similar contracts.