RGA and ABB close in on merger
Remote Gambling Association and the Association of British Bookmakers expected to merge to form NEWCO
A merger between the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) and the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) is likely to be confirmed by the end of this week, EGR Intel has learned.
The two trade bodies are expected to come together alongside a land-based casino representative under a newly-formed organisation, currently called NEWCO, which has already started searching for a CEO and chairman to lead the combined group.
Recruitment specialists Ellwood Atfield uploaded a CEO job ad at the weekend which said NEWCO was the “working title for a new industry body representing the gambling sector, replacing the RGA and ABB”.
According to Ellwood Atfield, the CEO will be responsible for building a team in their vision and should have “a track record of successfully influencing the political and lobbying process within Westminster, Whitehall and ideally Brussels”.
A source close to the discussions told EGR Intel: “The merger is being considered. I cannot say it is a done deal but the idea hasn’t just popped out of someone’s head either.
“Discussions have progressed since the beginning of January and an announcement should be expected sooner rather than later.”
One source at an RGA member-operator added: “There is an ambition that the two organisations will merge to form a new trade association that straddles both the online and retail worlds.
“That has been in the works for at least six months but the process to getting there has been long-winded, although it is possible that has gathered some more momentum now.”
Once NEWCO is fully formed with a new logo and name, the RGA and ABB will cease to exist as independent bodies.