Cheltenham Festival: Flawed Checks Could Drive People to Black Market

Here is a selection of views from two Conservative Members of Parliament. Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor, raises concerns about the prevalence of problem gambling, particularly regarding National Lottery scratchcards. He notes that problem gambling among lottery scratchcard users is significantly higher than those who gamble on horseracing. Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, expresses worries about the impact of affordability checks on horseracing funding.

He emphasizes the importance of horseracing to various stakeholders, such as stable lads, stable lasses, and small businesses around the country. He highlights the potential threat to iconic races like the Grand National, the Derby, Royal Ascot, and Cheltenham if horseracing funding is compromised due to the proposed affordability checks. Both MPs urge for a more nuanced approach to affordability checks, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all approach will not be effective in protecting the future of horseracing. They stress the need for careful consideration of the potential ramifications of the proposed changes on the industry.