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The amount being spent by the gambling companies and lobbyists on MPs has increased by tenfold in five years, as per an analysis carried out by The Guardian which shows how the industry has developed as one of Westminster’s best-connected sectors.

Data from parliamentary records, which are publicly available shows that dozens of Conservative and Labour MPs have received corporate hospitality worth thousands of pounds in the past few years, which was paid by some of the biggest betting companies in the country.

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The analysis, which came after reports suggested that Conservative MP Scott Benton had made the offer of lobbying ministers on behalf of the industry in exchange for money, showed that the sector is currently spending tens of thousands of pounds every year, mostly on the sports tickets bought for MPs. There are chances that the figure may be even higher than what has been reported, as anything less than £300 does not have to be declared.

The exorbitant figures have increased concern among some members of the parliament who feel that the gambling industry is now enjoying enormous political power, especially as preparations are being done by the government to publish its gambling white paper.

Labour MP for Swansea East Carolyn Harris, who has campaigned for more regulation of gambling, said the industry’s fondness and deep pockets for treating MPs have been very obvious inside and around the parliament.

“If you go to the bar, you will probably see somebody from that industry, and they’re buying people drinks. They attract people with offers to go to things that ordinary people would never get access to, like the Brits, or to watch Manchester United in the hospitality section,” she said.

“There are certain times you can have a conversation with someone from an industry, and then you go off and make an independent decision, and that’s how it works. But what happens with this industry is, why do people have to keep on being convinced so many times? Some people take the hospitality time and time again,” Harris added.

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“They do this because they’re terrified of regulation. They have grown beyond even their own expectations, but it’s an industry where 10 per cent of the customers make 60 per cent of the profits. They want to protect what they have,” the Labour MP further stated.

The Times, earlier this week, had revealed that it had captured undercover footage of Blackpool South MP Benton, who was promising to “call in favours” from colleagues and offer “easy access” to ministers in exchange for £4,000 from a fake gambling company. 

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