CORRI Wilson MP has placed a £50 charity bet on Iceland to beat Austria in the Euro 2016 qualifier on Wednesday in aid of five-year-old local girl Tilly Sharkey, who is battling a rare form of cancer.
The visit to William Hill in Cumnock was organised as part of the bookmaker's ‘Close to Home’ Community Initiative that supports charities in communities throughout Britain.
During the visit Ms Wilson met with William Hill employees and discussed the company’s approach to social responsibility, which includes player tracking using data to highlight potential problem gambling behaviour and forthcoming responsible gambling advertising campaigns.
The visit also covered the company’s approach to fair employment including paying the Living Wage to all employees and its plans to introduce apprenticeships during 2016.
Commenting on the visit, the MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock said: “I found the visit useful and it was good to find out more about William Hill’s approach to the community and responsible gambling.
"I was also delighted to take up their offer of a free charity bet and I’m hoping Iceland will win as it is for such a good cause. Tilly’s story has touched everyone’s hearts and I am happy to do whatever I can to support her and the family during what must be a very difficult time.
“I think it is really important to engage with the gambling industry. Every MP the length and breadth of the country has betting shops in their constituency, employing local people and contributing to the make-up of their communities.
"While I have concerns about the impact of betting on poverty, and how we safeguard people in vulnerable situations, I have found William Hill, and the betting industry in general, to be responsive to criticism and to be enthusiastic about looking at where it can improve.”
William Hill Public Affairs Manager, Lewis Rogers, said: “We were pleased to welcome Corri Wilson MP on a visit to one of her local betting shops.
"Our colleagues enjoyed the opportunity to talk about their experiences of working in the betting industry, and to demonstrate some of the responsible gambling initiatives we have in place.”
William Hill will be donating the stake money to Tilly’s fundraising campaign should the bet not be successful.
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