According to the latest YouGov poll, an astonishing 65% of betting customers fear a cap on betting limits would consequently drive bettors towards the black market. During the poll, it was established that 56% believe it’s not up to the government to dictate how much of their money they can spend on betting. Conservative voters and Brexit supporters located in key Red Wall areas agree ministers have no right ‘sticking their noses’ into individuals’ choice of having a bet.
Voter Concern
Public First who conducted focus group research, the Conservatives who wish to retain their vote in the coming election found many voters are concerned about intrusive, restrictive plans, ahead of the incoming reforms within the gambling industry. On a positive note, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) reported a 0.2% decline in problem gambling, down from 0.4% the previous year. The quarterly problem gambling survey conducted by the UKGC is the most consistent measure of gambling-related problems since 2013. 
Black Market Fears
However, worryingly, a report commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council found the number of bets placed at Black Market sites had more than doubled in the past two years from 220,000 to 460,000. The money staked at these unlicensed sites runs into the billions, putting bettors’ safety at risk. A factory worker in Doncaster UK said, “The government shouldn’t be sticking their noses in. They say things like you should have two pints a day or whatever alcohol. That’s fine, but any more than that and trying to step in on ultimately people spending their money. I should be allowed to do what I please with my money.” Red Wall voters feared the government’s overreach into people’s lives and dictating what people can spend their hard-earned cash on is a reason for concern, including the measures being considered to overhaul the current Gambling Act 2005. Another worrying area the government is considering is strict blanket affordability checks. This would push punters towards black market gambling. A Blackpool voter said, “The issue is you are going to push people who don’t even have a problem onto these illegal websites. Then they’re betting on sites that don’t have the option to do limits or time-outs or whatever, and you’re probably going to create a whole wave of problem gamblers totally unnecessarily.” Anti-gambling campaigners are pushing for a total ban on gambling advertising within football, banning all offers and promotions, a cap on bet limits online, and intrusive affordability checks for everyone, even if you don’t bet on a regular basis.
BGC Support
The BGC supports spending checks online, but these must not be intrusive and should target customers who are clearly displaying gambling risk, not a blanket check on all bettors. They understand the discussion around spending limits on slots and casino games and are open to a proportional-tiered system looking at reducing harm. Positive steps have been taken to reduce the risks of online gambling and the BGC is committed to greater funding for research, education, and treatment of problem gambling.