Gambling Act Review-White Paper Consultations

The HBF will be putting forward bettor’s views to the Gambling Commission (GC) request for consultation (https://consult.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/author/summer_2003_consultation_lccp_rts_regpanels/) shortly and encourage all punters, big and small to have their say. We would also add that we remain “on call” should either the GC or any select committee decide to ascertain the views of the very customers who will be most affected by the white paper, though sadly as things stand it appears the punters voice is yet to be seriously heard. We would also question the GC “gold plating” the white paper through their latest statement on affordability checks when the original submission clearly states “Net loss means the loss of deposited money with a particular operator and does not include the loss of re-staked winnings from that operator.

6th September 2023 – A delegation from the Horseracing Bettors Forum met on Wednesday with Stuart Andrew MP, the Minister with responsibility for the Gambling Act Review, with HBF Chair Sean Trivass describing the recent white paper on that Review as “a missed opportunity to fix a broken industry.”

Discussions were wide-ranging, dealing with topics such as account closures/restrictions, the protection of funds, and Terms & Conditions, but focused mainly on affordability checks and their potential consequences for bettors and for the horseracing industry.

HBF questioned whether financial risk checks were even the most effective way of addressing the issue of harmful gambling for a small minority of bettors, as well as the suitability of commercial betting organisations to be conducting those checks. It urged the Minister to ensure that such checks had no negative consequences on an individual’s creditworthiness otherwise.

HBF produced results from their recent survey of the British horseracing betting public which underlined just how unreasonable respondents believed the proposed affordability checks to be and how those checks could drive them to the black market or away from betting altogether.

HBF were at pains to emphasise that far-from-frictionless checks had been happening already, including in betting shops, and that this was in no way justified by current legislation.

The Minister was receptive to the suggestion that ordinary gamblers, who gain enjoyment from what is a hobby for them, should be included in future industry consumer groups, such as through the HBF itself.

He emphasised again that the intention was not to interfere with the activity of responsible gambling, nor to cause harm to the valued industry of British horseracing, points which HBF were encouraged by.

The Minister felt it would be wrong to give assurances at this sensitive stage in the consultation process but listened attentively and thanked HBF for its input. He stated that he would keep in touch with HBF during the remainder of the consultation process.

Sean Trivass said “we felt it was a positive meeting, with the Minister seeming receptive to many of the points we made, not least about affordability checks, which are already taking place with undesirable consequences.”
HBF is very aware of the need to act to protect the small minority of punters who suffer harm through their betting, and is supportive of initiatives to improve their situation. But this must not come at a significant cost to the many who enjoy a bet responsibly and for whom tackling the puzzle of horseracing is a hobby and a passion.”
“We look forward to discussing matters further with the Minister, and to continuing to put forward the views and concerns of the British horseracing betting public to him and others.”

16th August 2023 Update – The HBF were invited to an on-line meeting with the BHA today to add our input to their latest response to the Gambling Commission white paper consultation.

We reiterated our opposition to the levels currently suggested for affordability checks, as well as the lack of transparency regarding any adverse affects on present or future credit ratings, and the opening of new or potential closure of current banking accounts as seen elsewhere in the racing industry.

We also asked the BHA to reach out to the HBF to ensure bettors views are represented at future negotiations. Whilst the invitation to input to the BHA’s consultation response was welcomed, the HBF is disappointed with the general lack of engagement so far from other key stakeholder organisations. It is essential those most affected by any decisions have a voice in the argument.