Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said the proposals contained in the government’s gambling review white paper would only affect a “small number” of customers and would cause as little disruption as possible.
But he also claimed that the Gambling Commission’s requirements for the controversial affordability check were “misrepresented.”
Andrew, who was recently appointed as the sixth gambling minister since the gambling review began in December 2020, responded to “concerns about the affordability check and its possible impact on horse racing”. The Post had commented in a letter he saw. Britain’ follows a letter campaign to MPs organized by the Racecourse Media Group.
UK racing leaders have warned that it would be “financially devastating” if comprehensive price checks were introduced as a result of the white paper.
Sport also claims checks introduced by operators under pressure from the Gambling Commission have already cut tens of millions of pounds out of Sport’s revenue.
In his letter, Andrew said the government “recognises the importance of racing to the British economy, particularly in rural areas, as racing contributes significantly to British sporting culture”.
He added: “The review of gambling laws is a comprehensive study to ensure that regulation is suitable for the digital age, and that it is important to balance respect for freedom of choice and prevention of harm.” We want to make sure we strike the right balance.Through our review, we want to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect people who gamble online, and that adequate controls are in place to prevent unauthorized gambling. Consider whether the
Stuart Andrew: Gambling Commission ‘does not impose blanket checks on spending levels’
“The white paper proposal is balanced and aimed at preventing harm, affecting a small number of customers and causing as little disruption as possible. are considered.”
Andrew said he was aware of the debate over affordability checks and said the government would continue to work closely with the Gambling Commission.
However, he added: We do not impose comprehensive checks on spending levels for any form of gambling. “
UK horse racing asks government to expand to include some bets on overseas horse racing by UK bettors and switch to a system based on turnover rather than gross profit, providing additional income to the sport We are asking you to consider taxation in order to do so. Right now.
Andrew said the government is committed to reviewing the taxation by 2024, adding: Make sure your levy profit is maximized. “
The government’s white paper has been repeatedly delayed and the document is not expected to be released until late April at the earliest.
Comment: Racing hopes Andrew is right about the white paper’s suggestions.
Bill Barber, Industry Editor
Operators probably have a league table of their favorite ministers, as they have had six ministers to deal with since the government began reviewing gambling regulations in December 2020. A comment in Stuart Andrew’s letter suggests that he is in the middle of the flock.
His predecessor, Paul Sculley, said earlier this year that it is not the Gambling Commission’s responsibility to determine how much someone can afford to gamble.
Andrew’s comments are more in line with the Gambling Commission’s allegations, in which he said the regulator’s position on affordability checks was “misrepresented” and did not impose a “comprehensive” check. Commission chief Andrew cited the same example of a failed operator failure, which Rose mentioned in a speech last month.
Of course, racing executives haven’t said the commission has imposed “blanket” checks, but they fear the consequences if they are introduced.
They are also concerned that checks have already been made on some customers, whom the commission unconvincingly claims has nothing to do with them.
For the British racing community, they should hope that Andrew is correct in saying that the white paper’s proposals are aimed at a minority of people who are victimized by gambling and that the rest can enjoy their leisure time in peace. I have.
Then read these:
BHA warns MP’s affordable checks could be ‘financially devastating’ for British racing
‘Governments must remember that betting is a pastime enjoyed by millions’ – operator’s view on affordable checks
Gambling Commission hits Kindred Group with fines totaling £7.1m
50% off Members Club Ultimate Monthly for 3 months! Get 50% off your first 3-month subscription to the Racing Post Members Club and get discounted access to Racing Post’s digital newspaper and full site. Get the latest on upcoming major festivals including the Grand National, Qipco Guineas Festival, Royal Ascot and more. subscribe today*.
*Available to new subscribers who purchase Members Club Ultimate Monthly using code save now.
Your first three payments will be billed at £19.98 and your subscription will then renew at a monthly fee.
Offer expires April 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
