MP concerned about 'confusing situation' of government's gambling review

Measures resulting from the gambling review could still damage racing fears Laurence Robertson even though the MP is heartened by government comments that it recognises the link between betting and the sport.

Robertson, whose Tewkesbury constituency includes Cheltenham racecourse, said he had misgivings about the possibility of blanket affordability checks being introduced following the review.

Senior figures within British racing have said some financial modelling puts the potential impact caused by intrusive checks that ask customers to provide financial information in order to bet at more than £100 million per year.

"I am heartened by the fact the government recognises the link between betting and racing and that they don't want to do anything to damage racing, they've said that," Robertson said. "But it throws up the question of how they are going to do anything."

Robertson said he had issues with affordability checks on the grounds that such measures are not required for other forms of spending and that he believed the thresholds would have to be set at a very low level.

"I have a problem with the principle of it because people could well get addicted to shopping online but that's not looked at, they don't have to produce any wage slips or anything," he said.

"If someone on a very low income lost £100 a month it's quite an issue for them but they will probably fall below the threshold. All those things are what I see as being a confusing situation."

Robertson added: "I don't know how they are going to separate the online roulette and non-sport from sports betting because if you don't separate it you are going to hit racing.

"It's getting that balance between the 30 million or so people who gamble harmlessly and protecting those who do get caught up. There are ways you can do it, there is use of data for instance."

Laurence Robertson MP: 'We have got to tackle addiction but we have got to do it in a way that doesn't damage things for the 30 million who don't have a problem'Credit: Nicholas Jones

Robertson said the general public did not understand that British racing was not in great financial health.

"It's a very poorly funded sport to start with, so any downturn in levy payments, or media rights, or sponsorship is going to hit it hard," he said.

He added: "You've got stable staff who are not on great money, trainers can't recruit people, prize-money for some races is £2,000 when you've got to win 12 races a year just to break even.

"That's the bit that we don't get across and the link that 45 per cent or thereabouts of racing's income comes from bookmakers. Those are the points that I have sought to get across to the government. They say they recognise those things."

Robertson, who is a consultant for gambling industry body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), said he welcomed the fact the government was reviewing the sector.

'It would be a massive concern' - trainers add voice to gambling review fears

"We have got to tackle addiction but we have got to do it in a way that doesn't damage things for the 30 million who don't have a problem or indeed the sport of racing," he added.

The government is expected to publish its gambling review white paper in the coming weeks.

Betting shops will be open for the first time since 2019 for Saturday's Randox Grand National, the biggest betting day of the year, and the BGC on Monday called on the government to find "workable solutions that protect vulnerable players" without affecting customers and, as a consequence, British racing.

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: "With the nation’s eyes on horseracing and betting this weekend, we want the government to recognise the popularity of betting, its unique place in our national culture, and ensure they address punters' concerns and protect jobs in the upcoming white paper."

Read more on this subject:

Chancellor Rishi Sunak raises racing industry's concerns over gambling review

'Change is needed and change is coming' – gambling minister on reform rally

Racing warned gambling review poses 'clear and present danger' to sport's future

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