Admits to a degree of hypocrisy in the approach towards problem gamblers, noting that about four times more individuals face difficulties with national lottery scratchcards compared to those involved in horseracing.

He questioned the necessity of government-imposed financial checks for gambling activities, asking if there are any other areas where such checks are implemented. The gambling industry estimates that the proposed checks will cost them £50 million. Bill Wiggin suggests separating the challenges of problem gambling from the importance of horseracing, which employs 80,000 people.

Ms Harris highlighted the need for reducing gambling harm, noting that while 22.5 million people in the UK gamble without issue, a significant portion of industry profits come from those affected by addiction. She supported affordability checks proposed by the Gambling Commission to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce harm. According to research, risk-free gamblers spend an average of £16.41 monthly compared to £208.91 for the highest-risk group, indicating that proposed thresholds are high but necessary. Ms Harris emphasized the importance of these measures in preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable consumers from financial ruin. Ms Harris intervened briefly to clarify her stance that the issue was not party political but rather a matter of concern for horseracing's future in the UK, emphasizing its cultural significance.

He emphasised the importance of the racing industry in his constituency, including Epsom Downs racecourse and its training industry, warning that measures to tackle online casinos must not come at the expense of these livelihoods.

McGinn emphasized his support for Haydock Park racecourse and the horseracing industry, stating that the current policy is bad and will have a detrimental impact. He pointed out that net loss is not an accurate measure of gambling issues and proposed strengthening existing measures like self-exclusion instead. McGinn warned about the black market's potential impact on national security and highlighted the economic challenges facing racecourses due to reduced betting revenue, leading to job losses and closures. Asked for an intervention. Asked if the Minister would give way.

Concerned about the lack of expert and stakeholder involvement in policy-making, suggesting a delay to involve more stakeholders and ensure better consultation.

Mr Mundell highlighted the importance of horseracing to his constituency's economy and argued against a one-size-fits-all approach to regulating gambling. He cited historical regulations showing unintended consequences and called for proportional measures.

I am concerned about the increasing number of people in the UK facing addictive online gambling and the fragile finances of racing. More than half of horserace bettors will stop betting or bet less if new checks are introduced, while 40% are prepared to use a black market bookmaker. The proposed measures could cost the industry £50 million and have major unintended consequences.

Thanking the hon. Friend for her work, Gerald Jones argues that protecting vulnerable individuals should be the primary focus of financial risk checks in gambling, rather than opposing gambling as a whole.

Mr Iain Duncan Smith highlighted the damaging impact of fast gambling, particularly through slots, emphasizing the speed and privacy of such activities as key factors in addiction.

My hon. Friend questions the necessity of financial risk checks on gambling products, suggesting that no one intervenes if an individual spends £150 on a dinner for two people.

She highlighted constituents' concerns about intrusive checks based on an annual £500 net loss threshold, equating to just £1.37 a day, and suggested that affordability checks should be targeted at those most at risk of harm.

Mr MacAskill highlighted the social problems associated with gambling and its transformation into an online industry. He argued for regulation to protect individuals from excessive losses, contrasting this need with the importance of protecting horseracing as a legitimate part of Scottish culture and economy that relies on regulated gambling.

Horseracing brings in £278 million to the local economy in four days at Cheltenham racecourse. Racing and betting companies are closely linked, with 40% of racing's income coming from betting through levies, media rights, and sponsorship. The sport is poorly funded compared to international standards, impacting stable staff, jockeys, and trainers financially.

Supported the argument for personal responsibility in betting, highlighting the importance of freedom to enjoy sports like horse racing without government interference. Questioned whether the checks as designed are flawed. Mr French expressed concern about the impact of financial risk checks on elderly individuals who might feel isolated by intrusive checks, drawing from his experience working in a bookmaker during his student days.

Mr. Hancock expressed concern that financial risk checks for gambling could worsen gambling harms, citing a PwC report showing online casino stakes doubling to £2.8 billion in the unregulated market. He warned that over 250,000 people visited black market sites in December 2022 compared to 80,000 in the previous year. Additionally, he highlighted negative impacts on horseracing, with betting turnover falling by £900 million and prize money becoming tight. The hon. Gentleman reminds me to draw the House's attention to my entry in the register. I am lucky to have been strongly supported by those in Newmarket. Suggested that online games of chance should be legally separated from horseracing due to different neurological impacts on addiction. Expressed disappointment with the tone of the debate, highlighted the importance of horseracing betting in his constituency, noted that it has a similar low rate of problem gambling as the national lottery and suggested including it similarly. Will the financial risk checks carve out horseracing in the same way as the national lottery, considering both have the lowest impact in terms of gambling harm?

Paul Blomfield highlighted the issue of gambling addiction, referencing Jack Ritchie's death due to gambling. He cited Public Health England data indicating over 400 people commit suicide annually due to gambling and mentioned a Gambling Commission survey showing that 2.5% of the population have problem gambling issues. He emphasised the need for affordability checks as part of a prevention strategy against gambling addiction.

Mr Aldous expressed concern that the current form of affordability checks would have a severe impact on horseracing funding through the levy. He highlighted the importance of horseracing to local economies and its extensive supply chain, including training centres, stables, and licensed betting offices. He also noted potential issues with implementing unintrusive and frictionless checks, which could lead to an increase in black market activity or discourage small punters from participating.

Philip Davies highlighted the concerns of punters and the horseracing industry over proposed affordability checks. He criticized the inconsistency in stake restrictions by bookmakers, arguing that these checks are unacceptable as they infringe on individual freedom. Davies cited a poll showing 96.6% of respondents believe individuals can best assess their own betting affordability. He also raised concerns about the black market and its impact on horseracing's income. Mr Philip Davies questioned the validity of figures suggesting over 400 suicides a year due to gambling, stating that these numbers have been discredited by the Gambling Commission. He also sought clarification on the methodology behind such claims. Pointed out that SNP's stance on gambling industry funding for horseracing could be misinterpreted by racecourse locations, suggesting that it should not be seen as a blanket ban. That admission is far more damaging to the hon. Gentleman's reputation than it is to mine. Mr Davies intervened, pointing out that online betting income is crucial for the survival of horseracing venues such as Musselburgh. Would the hon. lady support distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance to address separate issues related to gambling?

He congratulated the hon. Member for securing the debate on financial risk checks for gambling, expressing concern that measures to introduce affordability checks might inadvertently threaten horseracing in his constituency, particularly Ludlow racecourse.

Asked why the hon. Gentleman is focusing on industry funding when events like Wimbledon and the boat race do not rely on gambling industry funds. Mr Cowan acknowledged the complexity of affordability checks for online gambling, noting that these were not a new concept but had been discussed since 2019. He emphasized that such checks aim to prevent harm by limiting unaffordable spending. Mr Cowan criticised industry lobbying against the proposed financial risk checks and highlighted the petition's overstatement of potential impacts on horse racing finances.

The MP highlighted the need for financial risk checks in the gambling industry, citing over 100,000 signatures on a petition and the issue's significance to families and the racing industry. She expressed concern about ensuring that affordability checks are accurate, frictionless, and non-intrusive for consumers while also protecting vulnerable individuals from gambling harms.

Acknowledging the hon. Lady's strong points and excellent work on this issue, Stephen Crabb questions her confidence that intrusive financial risk checks will effectively drive better outcomes for those with serious gambling addictions who often use multiple identities to avoid accountability.

Supports balanced approach to gambling regulation, highlighting concerns over proposed affordability checks affecting horseracing industry. Proposes a soft cap on monthly losses at £100 as part of public health approach. Ms Hobhouse echoed concerns about the impact on horse racing and the joy it brings to people involved with the sport. She highlighted the importance of considering the broader impact on horseracing's ecosystem, including those who work closely with racehorses.