White paper could be published next week as more affordability details emerge

More details of the government's gambling review white paper have emerged as concerns remain over the effect of affordability checks on punters and on British racing's finances.

Aside from the enhanced checks triggered by a £2,000 loss over 90 days, which were reported by the Racing Post last week, government proposals also include background checks once a punter records a net loss of £125 a month or £500 in a year.

Although it was thought the upheaval surrounding Boris Johnson's government would mean the long-awaited white paper could be delayed until this autumn, it is understood the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is still aiming to publish next week before the House of Commons rises on July 21.

On Wednesday morning, gambling industry newsletter Earnings+More published leaked details of some of the actions proposed by the government following the gambling review.

Industry sources have confirmed that the information tallied with their understanding of the white paper.

It revealed that 'passive' checks, which it said would go unnoticed by customers, would start at £125 net loss within one month, or £500 within a year. They would be carried out by credit reference agencies looking for issues such as county court judgements.

Industry sources said such checks would standardise measures operators already have in place.

The newsletter said more detailed checks would take place for losses of £1,000 in 24 hours, as well as for a £2,000 net loss over 90 days.

The latter proposal has caused most concern for the gambling industry, which has claimed it could cut billions of pounds from revenues and between £20 million and £30m from the levy if punters have to provide personal financial information such as bank statements in order to continue betting.

The newsletter said further details would be decided following a Gambling Commission consultation.

Other measures included a ban on bonuses such as free bets being based on customer spend or losses, as well as the prohibition of online VIP schemes.

As has already been reported, online slot stakes are to be limited to between £2 and £5, while those wanting to stake more would be subject to enhanced affordability checks.

A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson said: "We welcome the government's gambling review and we strongly support many of the measures we expect to be in the forthcoming white paper. Indeed, we have campaigned for many of them.

"On behalf of the 119,000 people whose jobs depend on the regulated betting and gaming industry, we will of course study the white paper when it is published, consider the impact it might have, and respond accordingly."

They added: "The latest statistics showed the rate of problem gambling in the year to March 2022 was 0.2 per cent – down from 0.4 per cent the year previous. However, the number of punters using the unsafe, unregulated black market has doubled in recent years to 460,000 and the amount being bet is now in the billions.

"The white paper will have to balance the need to protect the vulnerable and those at risk, while not driving the millions of people who enjoy a bet perfectly safely to the black market."

It is understood further tweaks have subsequently been made to the white paper, which is undergoing another 'write-round' in which departments are informed of policy and are able to give feedback.

Chris Philp, who had overseen the latter stages of the gambling review, resigned as a minister last week and, while it has yet to be officially confirmed, Damian Collins is expected to take over his responsibilities for gambling and racing.

Read more on this subject:

'Alarm bells should be ringing for punters' as gambling review details emerge

'Out of control' regulator told to leave affordability checks to gambling review

Gambling Commission boss defends 'lack of transparency' on affordability checks

Affordability checks are already hurting racing's income says new BHA chair

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