News & Press

IBAS Aims to Branch Out - Racing Post - Thursday 7th June 2007

IBAS is entering a period of significant evolution as it bids to become the adjudication service of choice for a wide sector of gambling-related industries.

The Gambling Commission now requires all areas under its jurisdiction - including lotteries, bingo, pools, casinos etc - to name an independent body to sort out problems, and with the experience IBAS has built up in betting circles, its team look perfectly placed to step up to the plate.

For technical legal reasons, it is better for it to change from being an 'arbitration' operation to an 'adjudication' service, so what was the Independent Betting Arbitration Service this week underwent a seamless name change - handily keeping the same initials.

It was funded on a tripartite basis by SIS, the Levy Board and Trinity Mirror, but the last-named duo are dropping out of the equation.

IBAS chief executive Chris O'Keeffe will be seeking to spread the funding across its growing responsibilities in other sectors, as well as taking account of the new regulation structure and any resulting implications from contract law. It is a challenging and exciting period for him and his colleagues.

O'Keeffe has issued his annual report, and of 1,674 cases which went to judgement, 354 were decided in favour of complaints, who received winnings of £239,675. It is a fascinating read, and includes some amusing case notes from John Samuels of IBAS, who used to be a William Hill security manager. It will be published soon on ibas-uk.com.