The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) managing Director Julie Harrington has criticized proposals to introduce blanket affordability tests, saying that they are “inappropriate”.
Harrington, speaking at a reception hosted by the BHA at the Houses of Parliament said that the BHA was against such an approach. She said that BHA had received messages from racing fans who were concerned about the proposals.
The white paper of the government, which was published in April, included several proposals.
Harrington said that the government should look at alternative options. She was speaking to parliamentarians, officials from government and professionals in the racing industry. She also said that the BHA was willing to help with new ideas.
Harrington stated that “no one in British racing would want to see anyone suffer financial harm because of their betting on horseracing. We have taken steps to examine what else we can do to encourage socially-responsible betting as a sports.”
“However we have always been clear that a blanket view of affordability is not appropriate. This is particularly true for a sport such as racing, which appeals to a wide range of socioeconomic groups.
British racing is working closely with stakeholders to develop a response to Gambling Commission consultation. We look forwards to future discussions with DCMS and Gambling Commission on how racing fans and the entire industry can be affected less.
“Our industry can offer so much more to the wider society, and support government agendas. Our industry is a soft power asset with a large constituency footprint and a wide fanbase that crosses different policy areas. “We are an untapped industry with a lot of potential. With the right support from the government, we will continue to flourish in the next years.”
Discussion continues on white paper proposals
The government also includes other ideas in the long-awaited White Paper that it believes will modernise regulations.
If approved, players losing PS1,000 in 24 hours or PS2,000 within 90 days will be subjected to detailed affordability tests. Operators must also perform “passive checks” on players with a monthly net loss exceeding PS125, or PS500 annually.
Another proposal is a limit to the stakes on slot machines. DCMS will consult on a limit of between PS2 to PS15 per turn.
Operators would also have to pay a mandatory statutory levied to the Gambling Commission. This would fund research, education, and treatment of gambling harms.
The government wants to also create an independent gambling ombudsman who will be able to deal with complaints from players. The Commission will also examine design rules for online gaming and consider tighter restrictions on VIP programs.
The restrictions on land-based casinos, such as the limit of maximum slot machines allowed in large casinos, could be relaxed.
The Commission will also consult with customers on proposals for controls. This includes the ability to opt in for online bonuses and online gambling offers.
The majority of consultations are dominated by affordability checks
The main issue for stakeholders seems to be blanket affordability checks. The chief executive of the Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said that concerns about such checks have dominated responses to consultations.
Rhodes testified at the Select Committee Hearing on Gambling Regulation of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Harrington also spoke to parliamentarians on the same date.
Rhodes said that the consultations have received around 1,500 responses. “Most, if no nearly all, of those responses are in the area of financial risks checks, which we find to be the most challenging aspect of our work at this time.”
