Anti-gambling affordability check petition started in the UK
A new petition has recently been launched in the UK advocating against the implementation of the country’s proposed affordability checks for the gambling pastime.
The petition was started by the Chief Executive of the Jockey Club, Nevin Truesdale, who wrote that the aim of the petition is for the UK government to abandon its plans of implementing affordability and financial risk assessments for the gambling pastime. Truesdale mentioned that the proposed checks could work based on the address or the job title of bettors, which could discriminate against certain people.
The petition’s description further mentioned that the proposed assessments could apply to anyone who loses as little as just under 1.5 pounds daily. Truesdale added that while protecting those experiencing harm from gambling is important, intrusive assessments are likely to push players toward the unregulated market where responsible gambling is not taken quite as seriously.
Furthermore, the petition also mentioned the potential negative impacts of the proposed assessments on the country’s thoroughbred racing industry, which relies heavily on sports wagering to support athletes and the sport. At the time of writing, the petition has gathered more than 65.6 thousand signatures, surpassing the threshold of 10 thousand signatures for the UK government to issue a response to it. Additionally, upon surpassing 100 thousand signatures, the petition will be discussed in more detail in the country’s parliament.