Betting industry warns of potential collapse if financial checks on gamblers are implemented

Unprecedented checks on affordability could have dire consequences, says industry leader

Betting industry leaders have issued a warning to the government, stating that plans to introduce financial checks on gamblers could lead to the collapse of the industry. Martin Cruddas, the chief of Arena Racing Company, has written to ministers expressing his concerns about the proposed "affordability checks". He described the tests as untested and unprecedented in Britain, and warned of serious consequences for consumer freedom and the economy.

Possible hammer blow to the sector

According to Cruddas, the introduction of affordability checks could deliver a devastating blow to the industry. He stated that the British gambling sector is currently on the edge of a precipice, and urged the government not to push it over. The checks would be triggered if punters lose as little as £125 in a month and would be part of the government's crackdown on problem gambling.

Backlash against affordability checks

The proposed affordability checks have faced significant backlash, with nearly 80,000 people signing a petition against them within a week. Industry bosses estimate that the checks could lead to a loss of up to £250 million in revenue over the next five years.

Call for parliamentary debate

In a letter to Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew, Martin Cruddas demanded that MPs be given the opportunity to debate the controversial topic in Parliament. He argued that it would be unacceptable for such a damaging policy to be imposed by the Gambling Commission without democratic scrutiny.

Accusations against the Gambling Commission

Cruddas also accused the Gambling Commission, the government regulator, of prioritizing an "ideological agenda" over the reality of the situation. He called for a more balanced approach to be taken.

Government response

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) responded to the concerns raised by stating that horse racing is an important part of British culture and heritage, and that the government is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the sport. They reiterated that the financial risk checks are intended to protect vulnerable individuals from the harms of gambling and that they are working with the industry to develop a new system that is efficient and based on data-sharing.