Ministers warned YouGov poll is 'wake-up call' over potential gambling measures

Fewer than one in five punters would be happy to accept checks on their finances in order to be able to gamble, with ministers warned that a new poll of views about affordability checks is a "wake-up call" about the potential dangers of draconian measures.

Affordability checks are one of a number of measures being discussed as part of the government's ongoing review of gambling legislation.

British racing's leaders have warned that affordability checks triggered by a monthly gambling loss of £100 could lead to the loss of revenues for the sport of at least £60 million per annum.

While gambling minister Chris Philp told a conference last month that checks at such levels would be "unwelcome, disruptive and disproportionate", he did signal that "proportionate" affordability checks would be one of the results of the government's review.

Gambling minister describes need for 'proportionate' affordability checks

However, a YouGov survey commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has found that only 16 per cent of those who bet would let betting companies access their bank accounts or wage slips as part of any affordability checks, while 58 per cent said they would be unwilling to accept that.

The BGC said it was in favour of further enhanced spending checks but believed the focus should be targeted towards gamblers suffering harm or those at risk, rather than blanket measures.

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: "We strongly support the gambling review as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise standards and promote safer gambling.

"Ministers have said it will be an evidence-led process, and these findings are a wake-up call showing the potential dangers of introducing blanket affordability checks on anyone who likes a flutter.

"We believe technology should be used to identify those showing signs of problem gambling so that swift interventions can take place."

BGC chief Michael Dugher: believes there are potential dangers to blanket affordability checks

YouGov's online poll of 1,683 adults also found that 59 per cent of punters thought such checks would lead to a large or substantial risk of customers using the black market online instead.

More than half – 51 per cent – believed increased black market use would lead to a rise in problem gambling.

According to a report last year by PwC, the number of people already using black market gambling websites has doubled to around 460,000 with the money being staked having reached £2.8 billion.

Dugher added: "According to the Gambling Commission, the rate of problem gambling fell from 0.6 per cent to 0.3 per cent in the twelve months to September last year. But one problem gambler is one too many.

"Any changes introduced by the government must be balanced so that they rightly protect the vulnerable while not driving the vast majority who bet safely and responsible towards the unsafe black market online, where there are none of the safer gambling measures which are used by BGC members."

A government white paper following the gambling review had been due to have been published by the end of last year but ministers have said it is now expected "in the coming months".

Read more:

Letters: our readers on the prospect of affordability checks

Government to ensure affordability checks will 'harmonise' with gambling review

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