Responsible
Gambling
The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers Limited
The FRB (The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers
Limited) has represented on-course bookmakers who are
members of affiliated associations for circa 14 years. In
constant dialogue and negotiation with local, national and
government bodies, such as the Gambling Commission,
its primary aim is to maintain an on-course presence and
security for all on-course bookmakers and their customers.
Co-operating
with
government
initiatives, via the Gambling Commission,
on responsible gambling, one of the
major challenges for all bookmakers
is ensuring that the potential
for under-age gambling is
minimised.
On-course
bookmakers,
working
within the chaotic and
frenetic environment of
on-course ‘betting rings’,
have the difficult task of
ensuring that both the
bookmaker and potential
customer comply with
the law, i.e. that a bet
is not placed by anyone
under the age of 18 years
old. Clearly this can be very
difficult with the ‘young’ of
today often being deceptively
mature in appearance.
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As racecourses may not limit
access to ‘betting rings’ to those whose
age has been verified as 18 or over; race-
goers need to be mindful that the difficult task
of challenging those who are potentially ‘under-age’, is
therefore invariably left solely to the bookmaker. The FRB
has encouraged bookmakers to re-train staff and display
‘Think 21’ material made available to them on their betting
stands, to discourage those who are under-age from
attempting to place a bet.
However, when someone with a youthful appearance
and perceived as under-age attempts to place a bet, it can
be quite difficult for a bookmaker to ‘challenge’ and ask for
photographic ID, as the request may often offend; placing
the bookmaker at risk of verbal or even physical abuse. In
any event, unfortunately, a request for ID usually results in
lost business for the bookmaker, when a potentially under-
age person proves to be legally entitled to gamble. But the
bookmaker is obligated to ‘challenge’ in such circumstances.
Increasingly, horseracing is promoted as a glamorous
environment for corporate and family entertainment;
not just for horseracing and betting enthusiasts. Indeed,
racecourses are now popular venues for ‘after race’
entertainment, featuring ‘chart topping’ celebrities; clearly
a positive way of maximising the use of racecourse venues
which has given rise to subtle changes in clientele. However,
those attending such race meetings need to be aware that
racecourses, usually, do not limit access to ‘betting rings’ to
18’s and over.
As such, race-goers themselves need to be aware of the
age at which it becomes lawful to place a bet…18 years of
age…and adhere to it; or not only will they themselves be
breaking the law but will also be placing the bookmaker
unfairly at risk of breaking the law, should their bet be
accepted. Hence, all FRB affiliated on-course bookmakers
continue to operate a ‘Think 21’ policy, as recommended
by the Gambling Commission, to protect both the customer
and the bookmaker.
Invariably, at race meetings, youngsters
can be seen milling about in the
betting rings; with or without an
accompanying adult in evidence.
More significantly, parents
often view the environment in
much the same way as they
would an amusement park
and quite innocently and
openly, give money to
their child to hand to the
bookmaker in payment
for the bet which they,
the parent, is intending
to place; not realising
that by doing this they
are actually placing the
bookmaker in the position
of potentially accepting a bet
illegally …… and their child
in the position of attempting to
illegally place a bet.
Therefore, on behalf of its on-
course bookmakers, the FRB requests
that all race-goers adhere to the following
guidance:
Please DO NOT…..
•…attempt to bet if you are ‘under 18’ or encourage others
to do so. (you/ they would be breaking the law)
•…feel offended or become abusive if asked for ID.
•…place a person under 18 in the position of attempting to
place a bet illegally.
Please DO…..
•…comply courteously with any request to show ID to
verify your age.
•…consider how much you can afford to lose, set yourself a
limit and stick to it.
•…seek help if you think you could be at risk of betting
irresponsibly.
•…encourage anyone you suspect of betting irresponsibly
to seek help.
The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers donates
annually to ‘The Responsible Gambling Trust’ (now known
as ‘GambleAware’) on behalf of its on-course bookmaker
members.
The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers Limited
www.sportip.biz
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