'); 'We've reached a point of no return - it's an epidemic': Problem gambling fears raised as bookie revenues soar Long-awaited gambling regulations are due to be introduced later in the year. By Sean Murray Saturday 6 Mar 2021, 8:00 AM Mar 6th 2021, 8:00 AM 31,890 Views 58 Comments GIVING EVIDENCE TO a British House of Lords select committee in February 2020 on efforts to reduce problem gambling, the then-CEO of the company which owns brands such as Coral and Ladbrokes had a telling statement. “We do affordability checks [on VIP or high-value customers],” Kenny Alexander said. “We ask for their payslips and—as much as we can—sources of their wealth, et cetera, to verify that they have the money to spend.