ROA urges government to take responsibility over 'obscene' affordability checks

The Racehorse Owners Association has claimed racing's very future is now under threat and is making a push in Westminster for the Gambling Commission's consultation into customer affordability checks to become the government's responsibility.

ROA president Charlie Parker wrote to the organisation's members on Thursday, one day before the BHA revealed details of the industry's submission, in which the governing body, Racecourse Association and Horsemen's Group came together to express "deep concern" over the potential economic impact of affordability checks.

As part of its consultation on remote customer interaction, the commission is considering placing a requirement on bookmakers to carry out affordability checks on those who lose as little as £100 per month.