Responsible Affiliates in Gambling (RAiG) has announced its support for a statutory licensing regime for affiliates active in the British gambling market.

The trade association whose members include Racing Post, Oddschecker and Better Collective, mentioned its support is subject to being provided more detail of any proposed system, and the benefits it would provide to consumers.

RAiG said it reached its conclusion after a thorough internal review into social responsibility and safer gambling standards in the affiliate marketing sector.

While much can be achieved on a voluntary basis, the trade association concluded the best way to ensure standards is for minimum requirements to be set out and implemented in the form of a licensing or registration process.

It suggested the registration role would be best fulfilled by the Gambling Commission, and such system doesn’t need to be expensive, as it would be designed to supplement existing regulations.

RAiG added that such a system would enable affiliates to participate in national consumer protection and self-exclusion tools and remove those who don’t comply fairly with their regulatory responsibilities.

RAiG chairman Clive Hawkswood, said: “This issue will achieve greater prominence as the Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 picks up pace and it is vital we play a constructive role as polices evolve rather than waiting on the side-lines for measures to be imposed.

“We hope everyone in the affiliate marketing world and beyond will keep an open mind about any proposals which would serve to create a safer gambling environment.”