My big 18-1 each-way Saturday tip and why an AI-driven app that could affect punters shouldn’t be given the time of day

Matt Chapman on 07/10/2020 for Sun Racing. Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd. YOU might have thought GamScore had gone away, but you would be wrong. Be afraid, be very afraid. Punters are the lifeblood of the sport and should be able to check without overbearing affordability checks Credit: Sportsfile Indeed, while those involved with GamScore beg for investment, scarily some others continue to give it the time of day no right-minded punter ever will. My Saturday NAP Harry Cobden takes a break from riding for JP McManus and I think it could be an inspired move aboard this chap who’s fallen to a decent mark. A strong each-way pick. Some of you, of course, will have no idea what Gamscore is or why it’s such a concern. So here’s a recap. It was in May that the horror of GamScore was revealed. To counter affordability checks, those seeking a quick buck created the AI-driven app – unbelievably seen as an “interesting intervention” by the BHA – as a tool to decide whether you are I should be allowed to bet on a horse race. It would involve updating an app with your financials to be checked three times a day – something quite simply unacceptable for most. Most read in Horse Racing And the idea that it might be frictionless – which it should be under original instructions – is ridiculous. It’s full of friction. No punter should ever hand over such personal details to have a bet on a horse race. It’s just outrageous to suggest they should. What worried me this week, however, was when I was informed there was going to be a GamScore presentation at an all-operator Betting & Gaming Council Compliance Committee meeting. For various reasons it never happened at Wednesday’s get together, but it showed that GamScore had not quietly disappeared into oblivion. The question is, why would the BGC host something that they know punters would find abhorrent? CEO Grainne Hurst told me: “As a membership organisation, the BGC regularly hears from a range of stakeholders on issues relevant to the regulated sector. “That should not be interpreted (thank goodness) as an endorsement of any individual product, service or commercial provider. “Our role is to facilitate discussion where appropriate, while any decisions or products or implementation remain a matter for individual operators.” Let’s hope those operators never go anywhere near GamScore. Punters just can’t be treated like this. Otherwise there will be no bettors. One thing that is disappointing is that no-one can get the BGC to say it doesn’t support affordability checks. You see, you can still care about people who get into trouble through gambling and not support intrusive financial risk assessments. Hurst added: “We support evidence-led, proportionate regulation that protects vulnerable people while allowing 22.5million adults in Britain who bet each month to do so safely. “Our concerns are about ensuring any system introduced is accurate, reliable, consistent and genuinely frictionless, as promised by Ministers in the Gambling White Paper. “We remain very concerned that the Gambling Commission has decided to proceed with Financial Risk Assessments before resolving the significant issues identified during its own pilot. “The Commission has yet to demonstrate that the data underpinning these checks is sufficiently reliable, nor has it published a full evaluation of the pilot to justify their introduction. “We are also concerned about the wider unintended consequences for the regulated betting sector and British racing. “If these checks are not genuinely frictionless, proportionate and based on reliable data, they risk discouraging customers from betting with licensed operators, undermining the regulated market that supports jobs, generates tax revenue and provides vital funding for racing, while increasing the risk of customers turning to the growing illegal gambling market. “Until those fundamental concerns are addressed, we remain concerned that customers could be wrongly identified as financially vulnerable, face unnecessary restrictions and ultimately be driven towards the growing illegal gambling market.” It all makes me feel the Betting & Gaming Council ‘gets it’, but for whatever reason doesn’t want to go the whole way and take on the Gambling Commission head-to-head. And that is what is now needed. Strong leadership at every level and from every angle to bring the Gambling Commission down. Today is always a relatively quiet one domestically on the racing front, for all the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes and Weatherbys Super Sprint set challenges. In the latter 5f dash, Vollering should have an eachway chance for Archie Watson and Tom Marquand. One has to pray stall 26 is not a disadvantage, but he has a mark of 91 and comes into this on the back of two decent placings at Listed level in France. As a strong stayer he should have each-way claims. I’ve taken an absolute flyer in the Hackwood with Noble Champion. He ran like a mad horse in France first time this season and then was terrible on the artificial at Newcastle. He’s back on grass here which should help and the Jersey Stakes hero was once good enough to destroy a field like this. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now