BHB concern over gambling deregulation

British racing`s rulers have objected to the wide deregulation of gambling without measures to benefit horseracing, it emerged today.

In its memorandum to the British Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the British Horseracing Board has expressed serious concern that a number of the Gambling Review Body`s proposals could 'deny racing any opportunity to widen the distribution of its own product'.

In particular the GRB`s rejection of the BHB`s recommendation that betting should be allowed in pubs and clubs, under properly controlled conditions, has given cause for concern.

In the memorandum the BHB has opposed betting on the National Lottery, the introduction of jackpot machines in betting offices and the proposal that there be no universally-permitted core opening hours for licensed betting offices.

Tristram Ricketts, secretary general of the BHB, said: 'Racing is not afraid of competition, but it must be allowed to compete on a level playing field.

'The GRB recommends significant deregulation for all categories of gambling, notably casinos but also bingo, gaming machines and society lotteries, as well as for betting generally, but without commensurate benefits for betting on horseracing.

'We welcome many of the GRB`s recommendations which, particularly in the area of punter protection, are in line with our own proposals.

'However, domestic and overseas experience has shown that growth in other forms of gambling has a very negative impact on horserace betting, which, of all gambling media, supports the largest workforce.

'We look to government to take both a balanced view of the gambling market and careful note of the concerns which we, and no doubt others are expressing.'