Genius Sports CEO weighs in on ICE sexism row
Mark Locke slams “outdated” attitudes by a minority of companies claiming they will ultimately harm the wider industry
Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke has criticised gambling suppliers’ use of models at ICE, claiming that the treatment of women during ICE week is “frankly abhorrent”.
In a strongly worded statement, Locke attacked the portrayal and representation of women by “certain players” in the industry, claiming the use of such models in promoting gambling products is not necessary.
“ICE is an amazing and innovative conference that provides us with unbelievable opportunities – in the people we meet, the meetings we have, the way we showcase our products and how we measure and react to the developments and evolution of this very important industry.
“But at the same time, some examples of the portrayal of women during this critical week is frankly abhorrent,” Locke said.
He added: “You only need to walk around ICE for five short minutes to see some bikini-clad, body-pained, Lycra-suited woman ‘promoting’ a gambling product. I’ve never understood the link.”
The comments come after widespread criticism of the use of so-called scantily clad models at the event. However, several companies attending the event have said the number of these promotional models has been substantially reduced from previous years.
The way you see this positioned, you would think the event was heaving with them, but it wasn't. A few dotted around, but the exhibition takes up both north and south halls, it's huge. Also, it's a trade-only event, not a public one – https://t.co/v6LEnRwnZK
— Bet Angel – Betfair trading (@betangel) February 5, 2020
I can't really comment on the other part of this, I hadn't picked up on it. But on the scantily clad girls aspect: yeah I dislike it, and raised it with others, but I've got it on good authority that it is getting much better than it was #ICELondon2020 https://t.co/j2RpZ4SydD
— Aidan Williams (@aidanwilliams44) February 6, 2020
Addressing the wider implications, Locke said the industry as a whole should consider its image and how it is portrayed in both the media and at conference events.
“The objectification of women is perpetuated by a minority of companies and those deploying these promotional tactics will, I’m sure, argue that they work and help to attract new and existing customers.
“But we need to see the bigger picture here. These attitudes are outdated and wrong and if our public image does not improve, we all lose, and we all lose big,” Locke added.
Locke also claimed that these sorts of practices could make the gambling sector a “no-go area” for women, adding that this would set the industry back 10 years.
UK Gambling Commission CEO Neil McArthur refused to be drawn into the row, claiming it was a matter for event organisers Clarion Gaming.
“We called out the organisers about this two years ago and they have since launched a code of conduct. It is a matter for the organisers to enforce that code. Our focus at the conference is on making gambling safer for British consumers,” McArthur said.
McArthur’s predecessor at the UKGC Sarah Harrison previously criticised the event’s use of models in 2018, leading to the creation of a code of conduct for event exhibitors by ICE organisers.