ScotBet In Gambling Standards Group

A chain of independent betting shops has become the first new member of an organisation which promotes responsible gambling standards.

Scotbet has joined the Senet Group, the gambling self-regulatory body whose founder members include companies William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power.

They all commit to abiding by a code of conduct designed to meet high standards of social responsibility in gambling.

John Heaton, chairman of Scotbet, said: We've always placed a high priority on promoting responsible gambling, so it seemed natural to join Senet as a mark of our commitment to that principle.

In keeping with Senet's rules, we have withdrawn all advertising of gaming machines from shop windows and will be devoting 20% of window advertising to responsible gambling messages.

While most customers enjoy betting safely, it's important that the industry plays its part in protecting vulnerable people. We look forward to working with Senet to achieve that goal.''

Wanda Goldwag, chairwoman of Senet Group, said: We're delighted to have Scotbet on board. We now have about 90% of betting shops in Scotland signed up, which is good news for their customers and all those who want to see higher standards of responsible gambling.''