British MPs demand pause on affordability checks

[The Buzz]

MPs representing 19 British racecourses have called on Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to halt the rollout of proposed affordability checks, warning the measures could seriously damage the racing industry and drive more bettors toward illegal gambling markets.

In an open letter, the MPs criticised what they described as a lack of parliamentary scrutiny and transparency surrounding the Gambling Commission’s planned financial risk assessments. Racing leaders estimate the checks could cost the sport £250 million over the next five years.

The intervention follows concerns raised by bookmakers that the policy may face legal challenges, after reports suggested inconsistent data from credit reference agencies could result in one in five customers spending more than £200 annually being asked to provide personal financial documents.

From Racing Post:

The 19 MPs who have signed the letter warn: "We do not believe there has been sufficient parliamentary scrutiny of this policy and neither has there been a sufficient level of transparency around the results of the Gambling Commission’s pilot of these checks.

"The pilot of affordability checks involving credit reference agencies has proved that the checks cannot be frictionless for racing bettors. The commission, however, seems intent on pursuing this damaging policy despite both the current and former gambling ministers promising that affordability checks would be introduced only if ‘fully frictionless’."

The MPs add: "We ask that you urgently intervene to reconsider this policy which was introduced by the previous government in its 2023 Gambling White Paper. The betting landscape has changed significantly since then with a booming illegal market fuelled by increased regulation and taxation on the licensed betting sector.

"Growing numbers of people are already choosing to bet illegally rather than be subjected to intrusive checks more appropriate for securing a mortgage than engaging in a legal pastime enjoyed by millions of Britons."

Read more here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/brit...-aGDQT1F3AipS/

[invinciblepoker]

18 MPs who get paid by the gambling lobby groups, i'd bet..

such corruption.

[Elijul]

I agree.. checks should not push players toward unregulated operators.

[Cash Bonus]

18 MPs who get paid by the gambling lobby groups, i'd bet..

such corruption.

Yeah I know and it's stupid. There's not a chance of it ever happening.

[ocreditor]

Wow interesting

[newcustomeroffer]

It would appear that today's 'deadline' hasn't resulted in a decision on whether these are rolling out or not and it remains on hold pending further discussion - here's a report from SBC: https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2...affordability/

Whether this is simply a case of the can being kicked down the road temporarily or not remains to be seen.

[Pokerface]

Not surprised at all when I read this.