If you were to spend your time listening to the flawed rhetoric of those looking to protect state gambling monopolies, you could be forgiven for entertaining the thought that private operators and their supporters have little regard for public safety and crime prevention.

Of course the opposite is true, and study after independent study has proven that when it comes to consumer protection and fraud prevention, private operators in general do a better job than their state-run counterparts.

Private operators work hard to assist the governments they work in harmony with, and the latest case of the RGA - an association representing several large EU operators - supporting and assisting the UK government in setting up a new sports betting integrity unit, reflects this.

Following the UK government's acceptance of all recommendations listed in last week's Sports Betting Integrity Panel report, which was commission by Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, a decision has been reached to set up the new unit as a further measure to protect sport from betting corruption.

RGA Chief Exec Clive Hawkswood has been quick to back the decision:

"Although the evidence, including that in an independent report that we published in January, demonstrates that instances of betting related corruption in sport are very few and far between, we can never be complacent about the risks. 

"It is important therefore that the betting industry in collaboration with the Gambling Commission and the sports themselves take reasonable steps to address the threats that exist."

This type of collaboration can only be good for sports and consumers. What many member states seem to forget is that private operators, and the various reputable associations linked to them have a wealth of knowledge, data and expertise they are willing to share with the government.

Yet instead of being included in the conversation, they are shown a complete lack of respect and are banned.

The UK has been a great example of government and the gambling industry working hand-in-hand, and as a result, betting consumers in Britain have a wonderful array of betting choice and great value, all offered in an extremely safe environment.

All EU citizens should be able to reap the benefits of an honest reciprocal relationship between their governments and the operators. Legal, licensed EU operators should no longer be treated as pariahs by certain governments looking to protect their own, if not for their sake, then for the sake of their citizens.