Rugby Club Issue 67 | Page 21

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 led 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. As racecourses may not limit access to ‘betting rings’ to those whose age has been verified as 18 or over; racegoers 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