In a statement, the BGC said Racing TV’s campaign enables “concerned racing fans” to contact their local MPs and “seek assurances” that future gambling regulation “would not impinge on their civil liberties nor enjoyment of horse racing.”
To this end, Racing TV has launched a web portal, allowing individuals to locate their local MP by entering their postcode.
Anyone who does so will be taken to another page where they can enter their personal details, including their name, email and home address.
A pre-written message is then included below, which reads: “I wanted to raise my concerns, as your constituent, regarding the ongoing Review of the 2005 Gambling Act and the potential impact it might have on myself and my enjoyment of horse racing.
“As someone who follows and bets regularly on horse racing as an interest and a hobby, I am concerned about the affordability checks and limits on deposits, stakes and losses which are reportedly being considered as part of the Review.
“I believe the amounts which I bet, as with the other choices that I make in my day-to-day life, are a question for myself, and the implementation of these restrictions would impinge on my civil liberties and freedom to choose how I spend my time and money enjoying horseracing.”
Martin Stevenson, the CEO of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), Racing TV’s parent company, said: “Racing TV absolutely supports and endorses the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm, but it is vital that any new legislation is proportionate, targeted and evidence-based.”
