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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. led 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 61