British voters against mandatory betting limits, poll finds

According to the results of a BGC poll, most people believe the government should not have the power to limit their betting.

UK.- A majority of voters believes the government should not have the power to impose limits on the amount they are able to bet, according to the results of a YouGov survey.

The poll, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council, surveyed 1,683 British adults and found that 51 per cent were opposed to limits set by politicians. That compared to just 27 per cent who supported them.

The results also found that 59 per cent of UK adults agreed that “if there are too many limits placed on people to bet”, they will shift to the unlicensed black market. Only 10 per cent disagreed with this opinion.

The survey was carried out as the Gambling Commission considers introducing a £100 limit on the amount that players can lose in a month. The government is also expected to consider limits as part of its review of gambling legislation.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “My view is that limits are good, which is why people betting are now strongly encouraged to set their own limits on how much they spend.

“Affordability checks are also a good thing. But technology enables betting companies to see where customers are starting to display what we call ‘markers of harm’. In this way, potential problem gamblers and others who may be more at risk could be subject to enhanced affordability checks”.

“I hope politicians will also take heed of the findings and listen to voters in Northern and Midlands marginal seats – who will be key to the result of the next election – who are wary of being told by Westminster how to live their lives, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

“The BGC fully supports the Gambling Review and we want to see big changes, but it’s important that ministers get those changes right.”