'Enough is enough' - punters detail their frustration with intrusive checks

Over recent months punters have contacted the Racing Post in their droves to complain about bookmaker affordability and source-of-funds checks, recounting requests for sensitive financial documents and sharing their anger at being subject to such intrusive checks simply in order to place a bet.

These correspondents have warned they are now being forced to abandon betting accounts and even their passion for betting on racing or other sports. Many have bet for decades, heightening their dismay and bewilderment that they are now being forced to jump through one hoop after another.

Among those frustrations have been complaints that punters' accounts have been frozen while they wait for their cases to be dealt with.

Some form of checks on punters' financial positions are expected to feature among the government's proposals in the government's long-delayed gambling review white paper.

However, in the meantime operators have been introducing their own, often widely differing, affordability checks under pressure from the Gambling Commission, as well as intensifying source-of-funds checks and anti-money laundering measures.

Worryingly for British racing, which depends on the betting industry for much of its income through the levy and media rights, some of those who contacted the Racing Post spoke of giving up their hobby rather than submit their information.

One punter, who wished to be quoted only as 'Stuart', said he was concerned whether with Cheltenham looming there would be a bookmaker willing to take his bets at the meeting.

Stuart said his salary was in six figures in 2020-21 and even after deciding to work less in 2021-22 it had still been more than £80,000.

He added: "So you would think showing bookmakers your P60 and the total you have in your account you use for betting would suffice, but that’s not good enough.

"They want to see every single transaction in and out of that account, which is ridiculous. Why should a bookmaker see payments towards your mortgage [if you have one], your energy provider etc etc?

"Anyway I have a fear this will be my last year punting at my beloved Cheltenham Festival, the way things are going."

Fellow punter Chris Littlewood said he was contacted by the Tote and asked to complete a form asking questions including details of income and monthly outgoings or his account would become inactive.

He added: "Well enough is enough and I just refused to provide the grossly intrusive details they wanted and so I am unable to stake a bet with the Tote app until I do. I'm just a small-time punter who has been betting 40 years but I will go without rather than put up with this intrusion."

Alex Frost: 'Our obligation to look after customers is paramount and we continue to operate within the guidelines set out by the Gambling Commission'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Asked for a response, UK Tote Group chief executive Alex Frost said: "Our obligation to look after customers is paramount and we continue to operate within the guidelines set out by the Gambling Commission."

Mervyn Sheppard said bet365 had asked him for details of his finances after ten years with the firm betting £5 singles, £1 Yankees and £2 Trixies.

"Suddenly they want details of my finances," he added. "Ridiculous. I have been betting almost daily for 60 years and always paid bills on time. I know what I can afford to play with and it is not acceptable to be treated as a problem gambler."

Bet365 did not wish to comment when approached by the Racing Post.

Kim Deane said he bet on greyhounds but having had other accounts restricted he was only able to use Betfair, which chose to carry out checks following his retirement.

"They basically said the amount I could deposit in future was based on my income which is low as I took a big lump sum and a small pension," he added.

"I explained I owned my own house and had savings but they didn’t want to know and offered me a pathetic amount which was the average of what I normally staked on one bet.

"I am a responsible gambler and had already in place deposit and loss limits, so I know my limits.

"I refuse to show any bank account details to bookmakers. This is my hobby. I don't drink or smoke. I'm marooned in North Devon so can't go to greyhound tracks, which is my passion in life."

One owner and punter who contacted the Racing Post following an article on the impact of affordability checks in the series 'A Year To Save Racing', warned they could lead to people giving up racehorse ownership.

'Les' said he had held an account with one bookmaker for several decades and was a punter who would stake four-figure sums.

However, he said his account was frozen in December and remains so despite his having responded to requests for personal details including proof of his income, a tax statement, and a passport or driving licence.

Les said he had suffered a five-figure losing run, adding: "That's when they came in with this white paper thing and they've just said well we need more paperwork, utility bills and all sorts so I sent them all. But they have still not come back to unfreeze it."

Last year racehorse owner and punter Simon Prout told the Racing Post affordability checks might lead to owners leaving the sport as having a bet was part of the experience.

It is a sentiment with which Les, who said he has a number of jumps horses in training, agreed. He said: "I definitely think if they carry on like this you are going to see a lot of owners pulling out because it's just not worth the hassle.

"There are people who own horses who like a punt on their horses and if they come out with this white paper they will devastate the thing."

Have you been affected by intrusive affordability checks? If so, we would like to hear from you. Email us (editor@racingpost.com) with the subject 'Affordability checks' to share your experiences and contact details

Read more . . .

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