GC Chief Sarah Harrison demands a complete NO to sexism in the industry

The British Gambling Commission (GC) today (Monday) issued a demand to halt the promotion of sexism in the Gambling industry. Referencing this week’s ICE Totally Gaming event at the ExCeL, GC Chief Executive, Sarah Harrison emphasized the regulator could boycott unless there is some change in this attitude.

Bringing to notice some previous editions of the event, Harrison spoke about the  “scantily clad” women who were featured on stands to promote certain gambling products and services. Referring to her own visit to the show last year, the authority figure said, this is a “significant stain on the industry’s reputation” and it lead her to speak with the senior figures from across the gambling sector about implementing a change to this.

Harrison said at the International Casino Conference, an event that precedes ICE Totally Gaming: “This is an industry where we have a number of talented, powerful and successful women. Yet from walking around the exhibition you would not know this; instead, you saw men representing their companies wearing expensive tailored suits whilst their female colleagues were expected to wear nothing more than swimsuits. I say bring this to an end now.”

“And to go further, any future participation by the Gambling Commission in events like this will depend on there being change.” The European Casino Association (ECA) and Clarion Gaming, which organises the event, have backed the UKGC, issuing an open letter urging exhibitors to take note of the warning before the event opens tomorrow.

According to The Guardian, the letter said: “In the spirit of the 21st century, when both women and men play strategic and decision-making roles in businesses, we encourage all exhibitors to mindfully represent support staff promoting their products at the show in a non-offensive and non-stereotyping way.”

“For both organisations, it is clear that presenting a modern and diverse gaming industry should be at the heart of the show. For this to be successful and ensure that all participants feel equally welcome, the respectful representation of genders is crucial.”