FOSTER REPORT ON UNCLAIMED WINNINGS SUBMITTED

Written On  4/4/11 By Lenny Wasman :

Minister Penrose to consider findings
 
The UK government has announced the completion of an enquiry by MP Don Foster into possibly millions of pounds sterling lying dormant in betting accounts and unclaimed winnings, the result of which was delivered this week to John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage.
 
Penrose tasked Foster with the enquiry last July  with a view to assessing the practicality of using dormant and unclaimed winnings to improve sports facilities.
 
The Minister said he will now consider the findings.
 
“I’ll be looking at this report in detail, particularly in light of our work on the regulatory future of remote gambling to see whether we are able to make sure sporting good causes can benefit in the future,” the minister said this week.
 
Foster was asked to look at how cash in abandoned betting accounts and other unclaimed winnings might be used to benefit good causes.
 
“I’d like to thank Don for all his hard work in putting this report together and for everyone in the industry who has contributed with their views,” said Penrose.
 
“The UK government is currently considering its response to a consultation on the Regulatory Future of Remote Gambling in Great Britain with a view to making an announcement in due course. Any decision on dormant betting accounts and the other issues raised in Foster’s report will be made after this,” he said.
 
Recommendations in the study are believed to embrace how a betting account can be classed as “dormant” and clarification on any legal ramifications surrounding the use of the money. The potential legal rights of any claimants have been researched, and it is understood there could be provision for punters to reclaim their money at any time if they are able to prove their right to it.