George Atkins Ltd Bookmakers

EDM number 1204 in 1995-96, proposed by David Hinchliffe on 22/07/1996.

That this House notes with serious concern the case of Mark and Paul Milner of Wakefield who, having placed several successful wagers with George Akins Ltd., Bookmakers, on the results of sporting events, totalling ú2,900 between September 1994 and March 1995, were advised that a maximum of ú3,300 would be payable as winnings rather than the estimated ú50,000 based on the odds at the time the bets were placed; notes that documentation is available to authenticiate the terms of the wagers and is disturbed that a licensed bookmaker can apparently evade responsibility forany such contract under legislation dating back to 1845; and, in view of Government responsibility for the licensing and regulation of gambling and the unacceptable treatment of Messrs Milner, calls for a review of current legislation affecting betting transactions undertaken on licensed premises, in particular the taking of ante-post bets, and for the establishment of an independent body to deal with disputes between punters and companies taking money for commercial wagers, with the power to investigate indidvidual grievances and make recommendations on the suitability of individuals and companies involved and wishing to be involved in commercial bookmaking.

This motion has been signed by a total of 7 MPs.