Questions over betting boss”s cash donation for Labour
October 20, 2009 – 10:17 amQuestions over betting boss”s cash donation for Labour.
Peter Coates made the donation after online casinos, bookmakers and betting websites were allowed to advertise on TV.
In total, the entrepreneur - who is a director of internet betting firm Bet365 - has handed over ?400,000 in five years.
Mr Coates, who owns Premiership football club Stoke City, gave most of the money as ministers pushed ahead with sweeping proposals to liberalise the gaming industry.
Experts who said the advertising explosion would lead to a surge in gambling addiction, and suck vulnerable children into the world of online betting, were ignored.
Miner”s son Mr Coates, whose Bet365 business is worth ?275million - ?100million more than last year - has always vehemently insisted he is a lifelong Labour supporter and was not seeking to influence ministers.more
