BGC Implore Government Betting Policies Rethink Ahead Of St Leger

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has implored the government to rethink their approach towards key betting policies in order to safeguard the future of horseracing.

Fears have mounted recently over potential fissures across UK high streets. The UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is targeting a crackdown on retail betting, so as to empower more councils to prevent the opening of more land-based gambling venues. And the BGC have also revived the debate caused by affordability checks.

Are high street betting shops misunderstood?

Burnham has set his sights on redressing the balance of UK high streets, lumping betting shops in the same category as vaping establishments, deeming them undesirable venues. Naturally, the opening of more gambling outlets has enhanced concerns over public health and anti-social behaviour raised by industry experts.

But the BGC deems betting shops as the lifeblood of the high street. Figures quoted by the betting industry body indicate the value of betting shops, as they contribute around £140 million a year to horseracing. Added to that, they pay approximately £1 billion in tax and a further £60 million a year to councils in business rates.

The government has incorporated betting shops into its plans to fund business cut rates on live music venues and pubs, but the BGC CEO, Grainne Hurst, insists that “good policy must draw clear distinctions”.

In defending betting shops, Hurst said:

“Betting shops are legitimate high street businesses which have made enormous progress in preventing gambling-related harm. Policy should recognise that reality rather than treating them as a problem to be managed out of high streets. People should be trusted to choose where they spend their money, without politicians passing judgment.”

Affordability checks resurface

Affordability checks, or financial risk assessments (FRAs) as they are also termed, have been a bone of contention. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), an independent regulator, signed off on the policy in July, and it will be introduced on a phased basis.

The premise behind the scheme was to monitor the gambling deposits made by high spenders. Within this, a £5,000 net deposit limit will be imposed over a 24-hour rolling period. These checks were deemed to be frictionless; however, it has caused rancour in horseracing circles, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) previously feeling aggrieved about being left out during the policy consultation stage.

In addressing the issue, Hurst claimed that the proposed policy could see horseracing levy receipts drop by around £13.2 million a year, and hurt those 22.5 million adults who enjoy gambling responsibly.

She continued:

“Our modelling suggests the approach could push more than 70,000 customers towards the illegal gambling market. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair, proportionate policy based on evidence and an honest understanding of how closely racing, betting and local communities are connected.”

St Leger around the corner

The timing of the BGC’s comments was pertinent, given the long-standing St Leger Classic takes place next weekend. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the four-day festival in Doncaster, and Hurst is adamant that such events are worth protecting given their prominence in British sporting heritage.

Food for thought

Ultimately, Hurst wants public policy to reflect the importance of and cherish horseracing and retail betting. While both have felt the squeeze over the past few months, the BGC’s call for pragmatism should give the powers that be food for thought. Otherwise, any rash decisions made could have serious long-term ramifications.