SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has urged the government to not skip on its commitments made regarding frictionless financial risk checks.
This comes ahead of the announced Parliamentary debate confirmed by the Petitions Committee for 26 February after a petition on the matter led by The Jockey Club secured the required 100,000 signees.
So far, the Council has been consistent in its calls for stricter measures around online financial checks aimed at circumventing harm amid those exhibiting signs of harmful behaviour.
Michael Dugher, BGC CEO, said: “Ministers promised Parliament that checks would be frictionless. They now need to honour that commitment.
“At the BGC we supported enhanced checks for online gambling, but have been clear throughout that checks should be carefully targeted on those showing signs of problem gambling, or those who are at risk of harm, so operators can use technology to take swift action. They must also remain frictionless for the vast majority, as punters have repeatedly made clear they will not submit to intrusive checks.”
Currently, the government’s proposals in the Gambling Review’s White Paper plan for mandatory affordability checks on customers who accumulate a net loss of £125 in a month, or £500 within a year.
Through the petition, the BGC together with shareholders from the racing industry are looking to ease checks for bettors engaging with the sector responsibly in order to avoid unwanted negative effects such as pushing punters towards unregulated online gambling and diverting millions of pounds away from sports, horse racing included.
2022 saw bookmakers contribute around £384m to horseracing from levy, media rights and sponsorship deals. Furthermore, proceeds entering the UK’s treasury from the wider regulated betting and gaming sector can often reach billions every year.
Dugher continued: “The overwhelming majority bet perfectly safely and responsibly, and it is crucial no check is introduced which risks driving these punters to the unsafe, unregulated black market online. These sites have none of the standards or protections offered by BGC members and they make no contribution either to the Exchequer or sports like horse racing.
“We continue to work closely with the Gambling Commission and believe there should be a proper pilot before any permanent changes are introduced.
“The Jockey Club is to be congratulated for helping to secure this important parliamentary debate. Nevin Truesdale and his team have injected a much-needed dose of common sense. Too often, the debate around gambling has been dominated by a handful of out-of-touch anti-gambling prohibitionists whose enthusiasm for draconian changes would wreck great British sports like racing.”
Dugher will soon take over the role of Chair of the Industry Trade and Standards Body, replacing BGC’s Brigid Simmonds (OBE) who announced her departure last week after spearheading five years of continuous growth for the Council.
