Encouraging Responsible Gambling
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Encouraging Responsible Gambling by The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers Limited
As you may be aware , some major horse race meetings are looming and you could be attending one or more during the coming season . If you are , it is likely you will also consider placing a bet during the meeting .
If this is the case , the Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers Limited ( FRB ) would kindly request on behalf of all its oncourse bookmakers that all race-goers give consideration to , and are mindful of , 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 .
We are sure you will appreciate why we make this request as you read on :
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 the traditional presence of on-course bookmakers at race meetings as well as ‘ safeguarding ’ these 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 . Oncourse 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 ; it is helpful if race-goers are mindful that the difficult task of challenging those who are potentially ‘ under-age ’, is invariably left solely to the bookmaker . The FRB has , therefore , 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
10 Issue 69