Racing petition against affordability checks for punters hits 100,000
Parliament will consider whether to hold a debate on the proposed implementation of betting affordability checks after a petition opposing the measures passed 100,000 signatures.
Racing organisations and officials have consistently voiced fears that the introduction of intrusive financial risk regulations could lead to punters switching to unlicensed bookmakers.
A group of industry leaders have warned that the regulations could cost the sport up to £250 million over the next five years if introduced, threatening racecourses with closure and putting some of the 80,000-plus jobs associated with racing at risk.
The petition states: “We want the Government to abandon the planned implementation of affordability checks for some people who want to place a bet.
“We believe such checks – which could include assessing whether people are ‘at risk of harm’ based on their postcode or job title – are inappropriate and discriminatory.
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“The proposed checks could see bettors having to prove they can afford their hobby if they sustain losses as low as £1.37 per day.
“We accept the need to help those with problem gambling but more intrusive checks triggered at a higher threshold risks bettors moving to the black market where there are no consumer protections or safer gambling tools.
“We are concerned there will also be a negative impact on British horseracing’s finances due to a reduction in betting turnover and resulting fall in Levy yield.”
Leading National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson helped drive the push to reach 100,000 signatures. In an open letter to Racing TV customers, he wrote: “In recent weeks, I have realised that this very much is my problem. If you are reading this, you are a racing fan, which means it’s your problem as well.
Henderson said he had spoken to punters who would refuse to hand over personal financial information, adding, "I don't blame them."
Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale, who started the petition, said: “The racing industry and its many supporters have demonstrated the level of concern about the proposed affordability checks by helping this petition reach 100,000 signatures.
“The Government has been left in no doubt about the strength of opposition to these intrusive and potentially discriminatory checks with a knock-on effect to racing’s financial ecosystem and the 88,000 jobs which depend upon it. I
"t is therefore crucial that we now secure a debate in Parliament so that the vitally important issue of problem gambling and how best to address it in the digital age can be discussed properly.
“We want to see targeted measures implemented so that those at risk of gambling harm get the support they need and that measures are put in place which actually address the core issue. As such I would urge Parliament to take steps to ensure such a debate takes place as swiftly as possible.
“British racing has consistently demonstrated that it is stronger and more effective when it works together and the way we have collaborated on this issue, which threatens the future of the industry in so many ways, is another fantastic example of that.”
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Nicky Henderson: has voiced his opposition to affordability checks (PA)Earlier this month, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport provided a detailed response to the setting up of the affordability checks petition.
It stated: “The government recognises the enormous value of horseracing as both a spectator sport and through its economic contribution.
“The white paper’s estimate was that financial risk checks will reduce online horserace betting yield by 6% to 11%, which would in turn reduce racing’s income by £8.4 to £14.9 million per year (0.5% to 1% of its total income) through a reduction in levy, media rights and sponsorship returns.
“We are working with racing and refining that estimate. We have also commenced a review of the Horserace Betting Levy to ensure a suitable return to the sport for the future.
“The government and Gambling Commission are working with the industry and others to ensure the checks can be implemented in an effective but proportionate way.
“We are also exploring the role of pilots or phased implementation to help ensure this. The Gambling Commission will set out details on its plans in due course.”
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