British politics could learn from football when it comes to gambling guidelines

And now with Labour also being drawn into the row, suspending its candidate Kevin Craig after he was investigated by the regulator for betting on himself to lose his contest in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, there is a strong argument for more robust guidelines to be put in place when it comes to politicians gambling, especially around political outcomes.

The public will take a dim view of elected representatives placing bets, when they have been entrusted to deliver on the important issues of the day by the electorate.

It is one issue where politics could take a leaf out of football’s book. The Football Association has strict rules in place to protect the integrity of the game.

There is a worldwide ban on betting on football for all those involved in the game. They are prohibited from betting, either directly or indirectly, on any football match or competition that takes place and extends to any football-related matter, including off the field.

Unfortunately, what this gambling row has shown is that politics is way behind when it comes to robust regulations on gambling.

But it’s worth returning to the Nolan Principles of Public Life. And by betting on political outcomes, several of these principles are open to being flouted.

The public deserves better and therefore it is imperative that a cross-party consensus for more robust guidelines on gambling in politics is established.