YouGov Poll Reveals Majority of Brits Oppose Betting Limits

A survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has revealed that the majority of British adults oppose betting limits imposed by politicians.

According to the poll of 1683 British adults, 51% are opposed to limits, compared to just 27% who support them.

Critics have said that setting limits could slash over £60 million from the amount of money horseracing receives from the betting levy.

The YouGov poll also found that 59% of UK adults agree that “if there are too many limits placed on people to bet,” they will shift to the unlicensed and illegal black market, compared to 10% who disagree.

A report by PwC last month revealed that the number of British punters using black market sites to place bets has increased from 210,000 to 460,000 in the past two years, while the amount staked with unlicensed operators had doubled from £1.4bn to £2.8bn.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “My view is that limits are good, which is why people betting are now strongly encouraged to set their own limits on how much they spend. Affordability checks are also a good thing. But technology enables betting companies to see where customers are starting to display what we call ‘markers of harm’. In this way, potential problem gamblers and others who may be more at risk could be subject to enhanced affordability checks.

“Such a move would potentially also have serious ramifications for horseracing in particular, which relies heavily on the money it receives from the betting levy.

“I hope politicians will also take heed of the findings and listen to voters in Northern and Midlands marginal seats – who will be key to the result of the next election – who are wary of being told by Westminster how to live their lives, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

“The BGC fully supports the Gambling Review and we want to see big changes, but it’s important that ministers get those changes right.”