UK: affordability checks must fit with legislative review

The minister for gambling and lotteries has responded to concerns from the racing industry that new legislation could impact on its finances.

UK.- Responding to concerns from the horseracing sector, the minister for gambling and lotteries, John Whittingdale, has told the House of Commons that any new affordability checks would “harmonise” with the ongoing review of gambling legislation.

In February, a Gambling Commission consultation on remote customer interaction had included a proposal that a monthly net gambling loss of as little as £100 would trigger affordability checks

The racing industry warned the sport could lose £60 million a year from lost levy and media rights income if punters were put off by intrusive questions about their finances.

Updating MPs on the progress of the government’s review of gambling legislation launched last December, Whittingdale said: “We are looking at whether further controls for play online would be effective in preventing gambling harm, including whether greater controls are needed at an account or product level.

“We are also working closely with the Gambling Commission on its parallel work to improve how operators interact with customers and we will ensure that any new checks that they introduce to increase protections for those who are financially vulnerable, binge gambling or losing significant amounts over time harmonise with the aims of our own review.”

A government white paper is due by the end of this year.