Affordability checks are one of a number of issues currently under consideration as part of the Government’s Gambling Review.
Other results within the survey include 58% of respondents saying they would not be willing to allow regulated betting and gaming firms to carry out the arbitrary blanket checks. Anti-gambling campaigners have called for such checks.
And 59% said Government-imposed checks on whether or not customers can afford to place a bet would generate a substantial risk of customers turning to unlicensed sites.
Increased use of such sites, according to 51% of respondents, would lead to a rise in problem gambling, with 4% saying it would bring down the problem gambling rate.
“We strongly support the Gambling Review as a once in a generation opportunity to raise standards and promote safer gambling,” said BGC Chief Executive Dugher. “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 that technology should be used to identify those showing signs of problem gambling so that swift interventions can take place.”
Dugher continued by warning that a balanced approach must be taken in order to prevent customers turning to illegal operators, saying: “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.”
