BGC calls for affordability check rethink over black-market concerns

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called on the government to call a halt to the potential implementation of so-called affordability checks on UK punters over concerns this could enable the black market.

As a rationale for this, the trade body, which represents a significant number of the UK’s licensed online gambling operators, outlined a recent survey by Racing TV of 2,000 users which showed broadbase opposition for the proposed curbs, which are expected to be included within the government’s long-delayed and awaited review of the Gambling Act 2005.

Researchers found that 95% of respondents would not be happy for bookmakers to have access to their bank accounts for affordability checking purposes.

Eighty eight percent of those surveyed said they should have the freedom to choose how much they bet without interference from the government, while 85% of participants suggested there was a danger the unregulated black market would benefit from those curbs being implemented.

According to the survey, 74% of survey participants thought that checks should instead be reserved for those with potential problems controlling their gambling expenditure.

The BGC has cited complementary findings in other surveys including a YouGov poll which found that 59% of UK adults agree that “if there are too many limits placed on people to bet”, they will shift to the unsafe black market.

Survey data from polls conducted by At The Races and BGC member Flutter Entertainment were also highlighted by the body as justifying its stance on an affordability rethink.

BGC CEO Michael Dugher cited the increasing data as a rallying call for the government to “strike the right balance” between providing better protections for at-risk gamblers while also allowing regular punters to enjoy gambling without restriction.

“I am not opposed to spending checks, but believe we should use the technology that is now available to target those people who are at vulnerable or at higher risk of problem gambling and providing them with the help they need, rather than blanket checks on every punter,” Dugher said.

“The Racing TV survey – like the poll we commissioned earlier this year – show that the unsafe, unregulated black market online, which has none of the safer gambling measures used by our members, stands to benefit if the government fails to get the necessary changes in the gambling review right.

“Any shift to the unsafe black market would also jeopardise the £350m a year which our members currently give to horseracing in sponsorship, media rights and the betting levy – financial support which has proved crucial during the pandemic,” the BGC CEO concluded.