The UKs Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has voiced its opposition to the government’s proposal to prohibit free wagers, characterizing the plan as “excessively stringent” and citing data that suggests it could drive patrons towards illicit markets.

The BGC referenced a recent poll conducted by YouGov, which revealed that a substantial majority (69%) of gamblers believe that free wagers should be permitted.

Moreover, a significant portion (28%) of respondents indicated that they would contemplate placing bets with illegal operators if free wagers were outlawed.

A substantial majority (63%) of respondents expressed the view that free wagers constitute a crucial element of their gambling experience.

The BGC also highlighted its own analysis, which indicates that prohibiting free wagers would result in a substantial financial loss for the horse racing industry, amounting to £5 million.

“Promotional activities and offers are an integral part of the customer experience in any dynamic industry, including our highly competitive sector, which provides employment to 119,000 individuals and contributes £4.4 billion in taxes to the government,” stated Michael Dugher, the CEO of the BGC.

A complete prohibition would have a detrimental effect on the incomes of countless individuals and drive bettors from a controlled sector into hazardous, unregulated underground betting markets. In recent times, the quantity of individuals utilizing these online platforms has increased twofold, with wagers reaching astronomical sums. These websites lack any of the secure betting mechanisms implemented by the regulated sector.

Dugher stated that the BGC supports the government’s strategy for gambling reform, but opposes intervention in how consumers decide to wager.

“We endorse the government’s ‘data-driven’ approach to gambling reform, thus any modifications should concentrate on safeguarding vulnerable and at-risk players, not the majority who bet responsibly,” Dugher continued. “Government officials should not interfere with how people spend their own funds, and the last thing they should be doing at this time is harming enterprises and athletic pursuits.”

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