HBF calls for minimum bet guarantees in new betting charter
New 10 point charter backed by the BHA and has been sent to bookmakers for consultation
The Horseracing Bettors Forum has launched a new betting charter, calling for minimum bet guarantees and for bookmakers to only restrict accounts as a “last resort”.
The HBF, which represents racing punters, said the new charter would promote “healthy relationships between bookmakers and customers and thereby increase interest in betting on the sport of horseracing”.
The charter comprises 10 points including:
- The need to deal appropriately with problem gambling
- The need for Terms & Conditions which are helpful, concise and transparent
- The desirability of “minimum bet commitments”, at least in certain circumstances
- Evidence that restrictions/closures have been adopted as a last resort and after adequate communication with those affected
The HBP said the charter is supported by the British Horseracing Authority and has been sent to the Association of British Bookmakers and the Remote Gambling Association to be passed on to members.
HBF said the charter could be modified if bookmakers “persuaded them to that end”.
However, the RGA said it would not be endorsing the charter, after discussion with its members.
“The main reason for this was that the key areas are already covered by licensing conditions (ie re problem gambling, fair terms, ADR process etc) and so in reality it was not seen as filling any noticeable gap,” the RGA told EGR.
Simon Rowlands, HBF Chair, said: “The betting charter is an attempt to define and recognise good practice in the betting environment, and is the product of a considerable amount of discussion, including with co-operative bookmakers.
HBF wishes to work with the betting industry to achieve common goals but will act independently if necessary in pursuit of a better future for all concerned.”
Will Lambe, BHA Executive Director, added: “At the BHA we believe that the launch of the betting charter should be a positive development for all involved in betting on British racing. On behalf of the sport, we would like to thank the Horseracing Bettors Forum for their work to date in producing the charter, which should be seen as a constructive proposal for all concerned.
“Bettors are a key customer group of British racing, and the BHA continues to support efforts to help to deliver both improved practices and other initiatives, including greater transparency and data provision on our part, which can grow interest in betting on British racing.
“The BHA has supported the Horseracing Bettors Forum since its inception in 2015, and the sport as a whole also seeks a new partnership with the British betting industry, including through a new racing and betting liaison group.”
The HBF also indicated on Twitter it would be discussing account restrictions with the All-Party Betting & Gaming Group in Parliament in January.
HBF has today received confirmation of its invite to discuss betting restrictions with the All-Party Betting & Gaming Group in Parliament and will have at least one representative there. Afternoon of 23rd January 2018.
— H'racingBettorsForum (@HbfBritain) December 4, 2017
The charter can be seen in full here.
Have your say on whether bookmakers should be forced to lay certain bets below.
@HbfBritain is calling for minimum bet guarantees in its new betting charter. Should UK bookmakers be forced to lay bets under certain conditions? https://t.co/enafiMp7Ci
— EGR Global (@EGRIntel) December 4, 2017