Racing TV members strongly against mooted proposals on betting restrictions

Racing TV members have voiced their feelings against mooted proposals on betting restrictions, according to results from a Racing TV survey.

The survey concluded that 93% of the c. 2,000 respondents “think that they should be responsible for deciding their staking limits or betting spend.”

The survey was activated on the back of potential reforms, falling under the remit of the Gambling Act review, which could see new affordability checks introduced.

A Gambling Commission consultation has raised the possibility that overall monthly online gambling losses could be capped at £100, unless a customer could prove they could afford to lose more. Their findings are likely to influence the Gambling Act Review, which last week started a 16-week call for evidence period.

Requests for certain personal information to prove you have the means to bet on how you are potential flashpoints. The survey showed that 89% of respondents “disagreed that it was legitimate for bookmakers to ask for financial documentation in order to allow a higher spending limit.”

The proposals also raise questions as to whether it would be right for Government to tell consumers how they can spend their money or time, with 90% “disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that it is legitimate for the Government to control their spending on goods and services.”

Brigid Simmonds, Chair of the Betting & Gaming Council, told Luck on Sunday that tighter restrictions, such as asking for tax return, could drive people to the “black market” and the survey results largely agreed as 83% “thought that the proposed affordability checks would push betting underground.”

One argument put forward is that racing should be treated differently by Government, when it comes to other gaming activities and sports, and 82% felt “that certain forms of gambling are more risky than others,” with horseracing ranked at the bottom of the options, which included Casino Products, Slots and Games, Poker, Sports (excl. horse racing) and horse racing.

Simmonds also said on Racing TV’s flagship news programme that betting companies had placed safer, responsible gambling at the top of their priority lists, and were doing their best to spread this message.

To that end, 72% felt “bookmakers highlight the risks of gambling well” and “78% have seen or received messages regarding the importance of betting within your means.”