Horse Racing

Racing cannot afford to lose bettors because of budget considerations, according to Ed Chamberlin

British racing cannot afford to lose betting because of intrusive affordability checks, according to lead ITV commentator Ed Chamberlin. He also thinks the issue will become more widely known as the sport enters its busiest times of the year with the main spring festivals.

After the UK’s gambling minister stated that it was not the responsibility of the government or the Gambling Commission to determine how much an individual can afford to gamble, Chamberlin referred to Paul Scully’s speech at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual meeting last week as “game-changing.”

He welcomed the intervention but called for the swift publication of the government’s gambling review white paper in order to limit damage before the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree’s Grand National meeting, with many punters already being hit with intrusive financial checks online and in betting shops.

Why is this happening?

One estimate has put the cost of the checks already in place to the sport’s finances at £40 million, with bookmakers requesting details such as P60s and bank statements from punters in order to continue betting, while some have been barred from betting shops as their custom is no longer accepted.

Paul Scully’s announcement “changed the game,” Chamberlin remarked. The most crucial aspect of all is that it’s obvious the government is in a different position than the Gambling Commission. He has stated all the right things, so we need things to happen while he is in that position.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we need it now since this unpredictability is harming us greatly. We can’t afford to alienate individuals from our sport by doing this. I hope that this white paper can fill the void. But even once it is out, it will simply contain recommendations and it will be a while before it becomes a law, and it’s that ambiguity that is proving to be so harmful.

Given that many casual bettors will be engaging with racing for the first time in a while. Which may bring them their first experience with the checks. Chamberlin said the topic of affordability has already been discussed on ITV Racing and that it could still influence the broadcaster’s coverage of Cheltenham.

He declared, “These are the sport’s most important few weeks.” The Grand National, the single greatest betting day of the year. Immediately follows the Cheltenham Festival. Which draws casual sports fans more than any other meeting.

What will happen to the betting industy?

“Many folks I know who have had intrusive screenings have given up and just rolled their eyes. Many people will place their first wager of the year at Cheltenham, and their dormant accounts are about to awaken. However, you can be sure that if you ask them for their P60s and paystubs, they won’t bother.”

“I know several people who have been the target of intrusive checks, and they have simply given up on it. Many people will place their first wager of the year at Cheltenham, and their dormant accounts are about to awaken. However, you simply know they won’t bother if you ask for their P60s and paystubs.

Chamberlin bemoaned the fact that gambling and slot machines were grouped along with horse racing. “I’ve been on both sides of the fence, and now I love the art of trying to beat the price. And work out the form,” the former cricket odds compiler added.

It’s a labour of love for a lot of individuals. But it’s sad and unfair that this type of gambler is considered the same as someone who is playing an online casino game.

“When you work in a sport with the financial structure we have. It’s disturbing and terrifying that this might have such a significant impact. When an unelected organisation has tried to do the right thing but jumped the gun,”

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