Horseracing bosses demand talks with Andy Burnham’s hardline gambling minister over punter cash checks

HORSE racing chiefs want talks with the new gambling minister after controversial affordability checks on punters were given the green light. From next year, curbs will apply to bettors and be overseen by Vicky Foxcroft, who has backed a ban on gambling advertising in live sport. Racing chiefs want urgent talks with the new gambling minister over controversial affordability checks on punters Credit: Reuters Minister Vicky Foxcroft will oversee new curbs on punters from next year – after backing a ban on gambling advertising in live sport Credit: Free for editorial use On her appointment, anti-gambling crusader Matt Zarb-Cousin posted sarcastically: “Spare a thought for the gambling industry.” Labour MP Dawn Butler sparked fury for replying: “Lol”. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! The British Horseracing Authority said: “We are seeking an urgent discussion with the new minister.” The Sun’s Save Our Bets campaign warns intrusive checks will push punters to black markets. The checks will start with over-25s who bet more than £5,000 within 24 hours. In time, that figure will drop to £1,000 within a day. Under-25s will face lower thresholds. The Gambling Commission has set no date for their full introduction. Most read in Money It said the first assessments will be introduced over the summer and will affect fewer than one in 200 punters. The British Horseracing Authority boss Brant Dunshea predicted the checks will have the “opposite effect” to protecting consumers. He said the regulator’s pilot scheme had not been “fully frictionless” and will drive “more customers to the illegal market”. Comment now