Nathaniel Barnett speaks to Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew

It was a privilege to represent owners and punters at Cheltenham on Thursday when speaking with Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew regarding the proposed affordability checks.

The government’s gambling white paper is of great concern to all involved in our sport and I was pleased to have the opportunity to put some of my concerns across.

The recent exposure in the Racing Post of a black-market operator openly touting for business from stakeholders within the sport is a clear example of what could happen should the bill be forced through.  The loss to the levy due to affordability checks could have a catastrophic effect on funding our sport and it is to be hoped that there are significant amendments to the bill in the coming months.