Affordability checks could potentially have 'devastating impact' on British racing

[The Buzz]

Findings from a Right to Bet survey, encompassing over 14,000 racing enthusiasts and released on Monday, revealed that 40% of the respondents would consider transitioning to the unregulated black market if they encountered stringent affordability checks.

From Racing Post:

The results also show that more than one in four bettors have already been subjected to affordability checks and nearly one in ten have used non-regulated black market betting sites. Of the one in four bettors who were subject to a check, 63 per cent refused to comply and either stopped betting or moved on to another bookmaker.

In total, 14,465 people responded to the survey organised by the BHA in conjunction with the Racing Post, Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV. Of those, 52 per cent said they would bet significantly less, or not at all, on British racing if affordability checks came in, potentially depriving the sport of millions of pounds in annual income from the levy and media rights fees.

In addition, four in ten punters who completed the Right to Bet survey said they would be prepared to use the black market to gamble. The results are in stark contrast to the view on the threat of the black market held by the Gambling Commission, whose chief executive Andrew Rhodes said that the black market was "very small, but estimates do vary" during a select committee hearing last month.

The survey highlighted punters' deep opposition to affordability proposals. More than 77 per cent of those responding to the survey opposed the idea that operators be required to conduct light touch financial vulnerability checks when a certain net loss threshold is reached.

Read more here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/gamb...-anUDW5s0ZxuY/

[mickyfu]

If affordability checks became mainstream, I would guess that this would have a serious negative impact on events like the Grand National. I would take an educated guess that many people probably make last minute online accounts for the Grand National and other major sporting events (but more so the National as I think (know) the national attracts far more non-bettors than anything else. I'd be pretty certain that if the average non bettor was faced with stupidity like affordability checks, they would simply ditch the bet.

For instance, I would take an educated guess that a lot of ladies make last minute online betting accounts to bet on the national. It would be interesting to see the stats of male / female accounts if the UKGC brought in affordability checks to a serious level, when events like the National, Cheltenham and world cup occur, but more so the national. Because like all Brits know, every man,woman and child bets on this event.

[NoDepositCasinos]

I completely understand the aim to protect those in vulnerable situations. However, I can't help but wonder if it's precisely these individuals who might be the first to turn to the black market. Also, where do we draw the line between protection and individual freedom and responsibility? How would this affect national events where placing a bet is almost a social convention?

I try to see the positive side, but it feels a bit intrusive to me personally.

[Pokerface]

Once again the bureaucrats coming up with regulations with their heads in the sand. Indeed people need to be protected but people will find a way through less regulated means.

People with addictions will find a way to satisfy their addictions. What is needed is to help these people through their addictions with proper support. Affordability checks do not solve the problem, it just moves and hides it.