BHA want racing coverage exemption for advertising

The British Horseracing Authority will make "strong representations" in favour of exempting racing coverage from any possible restrictions on television advertising for bookmakers.

A report in The Times this morning suggests that the Government could prohibit gaming firms from advertising on daytime television due to concerns about the influence such commercials have on young people and their likelihood of developing a serious gambling problem in the future.

A review into fixed-odds betting terminals is reportedly set to be extended to include gambling advertisements, which are currently permitted before the 9pm watershed provided it is for bingo or during breaks in live sporting events.

Officials at the BHA are eager to the see the full details of the planned review, which have not yet been confirmed, but they would mount a strong defence of racing's need to be exempted from any ban.

BHA media manager Robin Mounsey said: "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."

A review of gambling advertising concluded last year with a result that the industry toughened up its code concerning the subject, while the Department of Culture, Media and Sport also indicated the role of social media would come under scrutiny in the future.

Given the recent nature of that review, Ladbrokes' director of media David Williams admits another assessment so soon after the last would be a surprise.

Williams, in a view echoed by the Remote Gambling Association, an online gambling trade association of which Ladbrokes is a member, said: "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."