A new poll indicates that a substantial portion of British bettors are apprehensive that upcoming gambling limitations might lead individuals toward illicit gaming operations. They are concerned that excessive rules will steer customers to unregulated websites, presenting heightened dangers. This apprehension was mirrored in a study commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), a leading industry group.
The poll also showed that a considerable number of bettors would contemplate changing to alternative wagering providers if subjected to intrusive affordability assessments, such as furnishing private financial records. This underscores the sensitivity surrounding such actions and the possibility of customer departure.
Notably, this information emerges shortly before the eagerly awaited Cheltenham Festival, a significant occasion in the UK’s horse racing schedule. The festival draws numerous visitors and generates a considerable economic upswing. The survey’s timing, combined with the festival’s prominence, amplifies the message the BGC aims to deliver.
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s Chief Executive, has been outspoken about these worries. He contends that regulators are disconnected from the typical gambler and cautions that stringent regulations could have adverse effects. He stresses the potential downsides, including driving individuals towards risky, unregulated platforms lacking the same protections as regulated entities.
Although the United Kingdom experiences a lower rate of compulsive betting compared to numerous other regions, autonomous regulatory bodies maintain that it remains an issue. Recent figures indicate that a mere two individuals out of every thousand adults in the UK exhibit problematic gambling behaviors. This figure represents a decrease from the preceding year, during which the prevalence stood at three individuals per thousand.