HOPES soared today that a controversial gambling crackdown will be scrapped as the backlash grew to more than 100,000 punters.
A petition against proposed affordability checks on betting galloped into six-figures last night – meaning MPs will have to debate the issue in Parliament.
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The milestone came after Ministers announced plans to sweep the bank details on anyone who loses £125 in a month period or £500 in a year.
People living in poorer areas are more likely to have their accounts flagged under harsher monitoring of less well-off places.
The government insists the affordability checks will be “frictionless” – so punters will not know – and are vital to stop the spiral of problem gambling.
But bosses warn they could wipe £250million off industry revenues and pose a real risk to sports like horseracing.
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The row will now play out in the Commons after the petition’s 100,000 signatories triggered the requirement for a debate.
Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “The fact that we hit more than 100,000 signatures in a few weeks is a clear demonstration of the depth of opposition felt by punters across Britain to the proposed financial risk/affordability checks.
“These checks will have an impact on so many people who bet safely on horseracing, so it is vital that the issue is debated and properly scrutinised by MPs.
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“It is also important that the Government recognises the voices of more than 100,000 racing fans and bettors and looks again at the potential impacts of its proposed policy.”
A government spokesman previously said: “As set out in the Government’s gambling white paper, financial risk checks will protect those most vulnerable to gambling harm.
“We are working closely with industry to replace the current system of onerous, industry-run checks with a proportionate, frictionless system based on data-sharing.”
