Punters from Poorer Areas in UK at Greater Risk of Gambling Ban Under Controversial Plans

Draconian Reforms Increase Risk for Punters

Punters from poorer areas in the UK are facing a higher risk of being banned from gambling under new clampdown measures. These reforms, labeled as draconian, will require up to one in five betting accounts to undergo financial checks.

Deprived Places More Likely to be Targeted

Ministers are planning to use postcode affluence as a basis for forming a "risk profile" and those from deprived areas will be more likely to have their details scrutinized. The controversial Gambling White Paper, leaked in full by Trending In The News, proposes vulnerability checks for individuals who lose £125 within a month or £500 within a year.

Potential for Betting Ban

Individuals deemed financially at-risk could potentially face a full-blown betting ban. The plan includes the use of "geodemographic data" in affordability checks, which may flag potential financial risk based on information about the postcode area, such as deprivation index.

Backlash from Industry and Public Figures

Last night, industry bosses criticized the "postcode lottery" proposals, arguing that judging people based on their address is unfair. Horseracing broadcaster Lydia Hislop has started a petition calling on MPs to scrap the checks. The British Horseracing Authority also expressed concern, stating that the policy would create a postcode lottery for racing bettors and set a dangerous precedent regarding personal freedom to spend money.

"Millions of people enjoy having a bet on horseracing without suffering any harm," said a spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority.