The Cheltenham Festival, an annual four-day event featuring 28 races, has returned in full this year after a pandemic-hit 2021. It is attended by an estimated 250,000 people, with bookmaker Coral claiming approximately £500m ($659m) is wagered across the Festival every year.
Dugher, a former MP and current CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), believes the success of the event should be taken into consideration when the Government releases its white paper on the proposed reform of gambling laws in the UK.
Speaking exclusively to Gambling Insider, he commented: “This year's Cheltenham Festival has been a joy to behold, especially after last year when the crowds were, regrettably, unable to attend. A record crowd on the first day set the tone for one of the greatest Festivals ever.
“It was fantastic to see thousands of people, from every background, coming together in a way that only racing can do. That is, to enjoy a bet, a good time and the magnificent sport that is jump racing. It’s also a timely reminder to the politicians and bureaucrats, miles away back in Westminster, not to do anything to spoil people’s enjoyment, or wreck this sport.
“At the BGC we are committed to further raising standards for the industry and its customers. However, it’s vital punters, like the millions who enjoyed Cheltenham, make their voices heard in the Government’s gambling review.”
The review into the Gambling Act 2005 has been commissioned by the UK Government to ensure the industry has the “right balance” of objectives.
As set out by the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, the Government plans to respect individuals’ right to gambling as a leisure activity, while also better protecting those at risk of gambling harm.
The resulting white paper has been postponed twice; once from its original release date of late 2021, and secondly from early 2022 until May.
