Brit horse racing quick to react to threats of restricted advertising

The news of an upcoming UK government review that may restrict day-time advertising for gambling companies (see previous report) was barely on the streets before the British Horseracing Authority reacted Friday, announcing that it is to make “strong representations” in favour of exempting racing coverage from any possible restrictions on television advertising for bookmakers.

Officials at the BHA said they are eager to the see the full details of the planned review, which have yet to be confirmed, but they would mount a strong defence of racing’s need to be exempted from any ban.

BHA media manager Robin Mounsey told Sky News:

“The Government hasn’t yet launched its review so we first need to await details of the consultation and any proposals arising. However, it is likely that as part of any consultation that racing would be united in making strong representations for an exemption for horseracing content.

“These representations would be based around racing’s obvious interdependence with betting compared to other sports, and the nature of its TV coverage.”

David Williams, director of media for the Ladbrokes gambling group said he was surprised that another government review is contemplated so soon after the review last year, which resulted in the gambling industry beefing up its advertising and marketing codes.

Williams was supported by the Remote Gambling Association, which commented:

“A thorough review of gambling advertising was undertaken at the request of the Secretary of State at DCMS and was concluded last year.

“As such it would be unexpected and unusual to commission another widespread review and expect a different outcome.

“We would, nonetheless, cooperate fully with any review if and when the government confirms its intentions.”