Withdrawal of GVC, William Hill and Flutter CEOs from meeting on dangers of online betting branded ‘outrageous’

The bosses of three of the UK’s largest gambling companies have infuriated MPs by pulling out of a meeting at which they were due to face questions about their efforts to reduce the dangers of online betting, the Guardian has learned.

The chief executives of Ladbrokes-owner GVC, William Hill and Flutter Entertainment – previously known as Paddy Power Betfair – had all confirmed plans to attend a session held in Westminster, only to send their excuses within days of each other.