Government tight-lipped over report strict affordability checks could be shelved

The UK government has declined to comment on a report that plans for controversial affordability checks are to be wrapped into the ongoing review of gambling legislation and that the most stringent elements will be shelved.

A Gambling Commission consultation on remote customer interaction closed in February which included a proposal that a monthly net gambling loss of as little as £100 would mean punters would have to prove their income in order to continue to bet.

This has caused huge concern for British racing's leadership, who fear the sport could lose £60 million a year from lost levy and media rights income if punters are put off by intrusive questions about their finances.