See HBF’s response to Michael Dugher’s column published in the Racing Post
Dear Mr Dugher
Please make sure you distinguish carefully between those allegedly “getting into bed” with the anti-gambling lobby and those like the HBF who have the sense to realise that listening to the arguments of the anti-gambling harm lobby gives us all a better view of both sides and where we can (or cannot) agree.
No-one here has ever claimed racing is pure skill, but if you feel it is of the same skill level as on-line slots, casinos, even the Lottery – you are sadly mistaken – they are very different beasts with racing a hobby for many that is being slowly taken away from them by the bookmakers you represent.
Many people online have had their passwords hacked, data shared, and so on (I know we have) yet affordability checks in their current guise are asking people to hand over sensitive personal information – can you really blame them for refusing to do so, have you personally handed over your bank statements to a bookmaker or anyone else without worrying about what happens next?
Meanwhile, as problem gamblers are (quite rightly) being refused bets, the bookmakers see this as lost profit – and make scything cuts elsewhere to keep their bottom line intact – account closures, restrictions, bonus removal etc etc – all of which drive people to either the black market, or away from the sport entirely.
With regard to tax changes, the HBF have made it quite clear we sadly expect any costs will eventually be passed on to punters in some form or another (heaven forbid the bookmakers accept any of the pain), but to roll over and accept any increase in tax on racing directly was something we all have to oppose if we want the sport to survive for future generations.
Your pomposity in thinking you can tell the racing industry how they should act is frankly unbelievable – and I suspect unwanted. You tell us that betting turnover is decreasing yet your members continue to restrict and close accounts at will with no explanation: coincidence – we think not?
As for gambling harm, statistics quite clearly show that racing is way down the list with single bets on horses bottom of the figures provided by James Noyes at a rate of harm of 0.04 as opposed to 0.34 for slots etc.
On behalf of the punters of the United Kingdom, please “read the room” before another miscalculated rant in the racing press.
On behalf of the Horseracing Bettors Forum.
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