Racing told it must not take its 'foot off the accelerator' over gambling review

British racing should not be "taking our foot off the accelerator" when it comes to lobbying over the gambling review according to Racecourse Media Group (RMG) chief executive Martin Stevenson.

He was speaking after Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief executive Michael Dugher described the weeks before the government's white paper is published as being "absolutely critical" to not only the betting industry but to the sport of horseracing as well.

The media rights business, parent company of Racing TV, has been encouraging subscribers and racegoers to contact their MPs due to concerns about the potential consequences of the government's review of gambling legislation.

There are fears that the imposition of intrusive affordability checks could wipe tens of millions of pounds from British racing's revenues, while calls for a ban on gambling advertising could threaten television coverage of the sport.

The government launched its review in December 2020, with proposals for reforms expected to be published in the spring.

Racecourse Media Group chief executive Martin Stevenson

Stevenson said: "We absolutely support and endorse the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm, but it is vital that any new legislation is proportionate, targeted and evidence-based."

Working with the BGC, RMG provided its database and the databases of its racecourse shareholders with the facility to write to their local MPs via an online portal, something Stevenson said "could make a real difference to the future of the sport".

He added: "This enabled them to seek assurances that any future gambling regulation would not impinge on their civil liberties and freedom to choose how they spend time and money enjoying horseracing, and nor would it result in any unintended economic consequences to British horseracing."

Stevenson added: "I do strongly urge racing fans to take the time to do this."

RMG said that as of Tuesday morning more than 5,600 emails had been sent to MPs.

"It shows just how much these hugely significant issues resonate with people who follow and, or, bet on horseracing," Stevenson said. "This, of course, follows 16,000 responses to the government's call for evidence last year.

"We think it is enormously important that the millions of people who enjoy the sport have the opportunity to explain their concerns to MPs and government. People enjoy betting on racing and sports, and it is vital that government hears from fans on that, so that we avoid a potential catastrophe for the sport if new legislation is not proportionate and targeted."

Last week gambling minister Chris Philp pledged the government wanted to ensure its review would not "undermine the financial condition" of British racing.

Stevenson welcomed that statement, but added that he "couldn't agree more" with Dugher's call to action.

He said: "While the minister's comments last week were welcomed, we definitely shouldn't be taking our foot off the accelerator. As Michael says, the next few weeks are absolutely critical and it’s definitely not too late to write to your MP."

The National Trainers Federation said it recognised the importance of updating gambling legislation but added it was vitally important that potentially negative impacts on racing and its many businesses in the rural economy were taken into account.

Chief executive Paul Johnson added: "The statement from Chris Philp last week that 'nothing will be done to undermine the financial condition’ of racing was reassuring and we will continue to support efforts to ensure that is the case from the review.

"The NTF are fully engaged with this process and are working closely with the BHA team who are coordinating this engagement for racing, as we do across all the issues we engage with regularly with government."

Michael Dugher: 'Everyone in racing needs to get off their backside – our fight is their fight' (Members' Club)

Read more:

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

BHA chief welcomes minister's racing pledge on gambling review

Jockey Club accused of undermining racing after signing casino deal

Racegoers urged to contact MPs over 'unintended consequences' of gambling review

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday