Encouraging Responsible Gambling 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 every bookmaker is obliged to ‘ challenge ’ ( check ID ) 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 .
If someone under 18 attempts to place a bet , not only will they 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 operate a ‘ Think 21 ’ policy , as required by the Gambling Commission ; actually checking those perceived as under 21 , 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 . As race meetings are a source of entertainment , it is very easy as a parent to forget it is also a licensed gambling environment where there are strict laws on gambling ; which view the person handing over the money as the person placing the bet . So , you won ’ t be the first , if as a parent you quite innocently and openly , give money to your child to hand to the bookmaker in payment for the bet which you , the parent , are intending to place … but if you do this , you are actually placing the bookmaker in the position of potentially accepting a bet illegally … and your child in the position of attempting to illegally place a bet .
So , please help the bookmakers keep everybody ‘ betsafe ’ by considering the following :
- It is against the law for you to place a bet if you are ‘ under 18 ’ and if you do , you will also be placing the bookmaker , unfairly , in the position of breaking the law and ultimately , of losing their licence . We ’ re sure nobody would want this on their conscience . - In the frenetic and noisy backdrop of people milling about , often confronted with ‘ last second ’ queues of race-goers eager to place their bets or / and collect ‘ winnings ’, checking photo ID is the last thing in the world the bookmaker wants to spend precious moments doing , but is obliged to do so of anyone perceived to be potentially ‘ under 18 ’; or 21 for further security , as recommended by ‘ Think 21 ’ Responsible
Gambling Policy . Clearly no bookmaker wishes to offend or risk losing your business ! - Abuse , as we are all aware , is not to be tolerated in any circumstance , so please do not vent any feelings of frustration out on a bookmaker who is simply abiding by the law . Potentially , they may be protecting a person who cannot lawfully place a bet … as well as their own livelihood ; you could after all , be an official ‘ plant ’ test purchaser working on behalf of the licensing authority . Everyone appreciates a bit of courtesy ! - Nobody would want you to place yourself in financial difficulty ; so please consider how much you can afford to lose and stop betting , if and when , you have reached this point . - We hope you enjoy your racing experience and encourage you to place your bet , no matter how small or large , with one of the traditional bookmakers located in one of the ‘ betting rings ’ or ‘ on the rails ’; they ’ re always happy to see you ... win or lose ! Good luck !
The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers donates annually to ‘ GambleAware ’ ( formerly known as ‘ The Responsible Gambling Trust ’) on behalf of its on-course bookmaker members , in recognition and support of this body ’ s valued activity .
The Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers Limited
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