In his letter, the Sunday Times reports that the Chancellor highlighted the particular case of Catterick racecourse, which is within his constituency of Richmond, Yorkshire. More specifically, it is understood that Sunak explained in discussion with John Sanderson, Managing Director of the racecourse, that he contacted Dorries to “raise with them the specific questions” related to the racing industry.
Prior to Sunak’s communications, Sanderson sent his own letter highlighting possible losses of more than £60m ($79m) a year that the industry could face, if a blanket affordability check was put in place.
At present, the DCMS Ministers are reviewing the Gambling Act and it is expected to be re-introduced with more stringent checks on what customers can afford to gamble. The department will also look to review advertising and sponsorship in a similar form; the intention being to improve the protection of vulnerable customers.
However, the review is likely to have an impact on the Treasury and the gambling industry’s current contributions of almost £3bn in tax each year.
Sanderson is requesting the Gambling Act review take horseracing more into consideration. He commented: “Betting on horseracing is not simple gambling like a casino … it’s a matter of using one’s judgment. Machines, online casinos and scratch cards are just games of chance and are far more addictive to a person with a gambling-related problem. That was my message to Rishi.”
The Gambling Act review is set to be published in May.
