Petition to Government over affordability checks reaches 100,000

The petition launched by the British horseracing industry reached the landmark 100,000 signatures on Tuesday night – meaning it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

The petition urges the UK government to halt the planned introduction of what are seen as intrusive financial risk checks – which the industry as a whole has come together to rally against.

Martin Stevenson, CEO at Racecourse Media Group, said: “It’s is fantastic to see the industry come together on this campaign – and reach the 100,000 threshold within a month. It shows the deep strength of feeling against financial risk checks, as proposed in their current form, and ensures the subject remains very much on the agenda with the Government and Gambling Commission.

“We thank everyone, and particularly all the Racing TV viewers and digital users, who have taken the time to sign and circulate.

"We now ask the Petitions Committee to table this debate in Westminster Hall as a matter of urgency – hopefully in January – given the significance of the petition and the widespread concerns the racing industry holds over the proposed financial risk checks.”

And Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, 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. It 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.”

Racing industry experts have warned of a “catastrophic” impact on horse racing emanating from the proposals outlined within the Gambling Commission’s consultation, with more than half of 14,000 people who recently took part in a survey suggesting they would walk away from the sport rather than provide personal financial information.

And despite fears about black-market betting activity being played down by the Gambling Commission, the survey showed that one in 10 bettors is already using illegal providers and four in 10 will consider it if the new checks are introduced.

Independent estimates say up to £250million could be lost in revenue over the next five years.