The implementation of strict affordability checks on punters in the regulated gambling market of the UK has sparked discussions regarding the measure not only within the country’s borders but in other countries, too. The measure, under which British punters could be suspended from placing wagers with local retail betting agencies in case they fail to present required financial proof they could actually afford to lose some money, has triggered controversial reactions not only on the territory of the UK but also in Australia, where there have been questions whether local TABs would go down the same road.
However, despite the eager discussions on the matter, it seems that Tabcorp has no intention to follow the controversial trend of the British affordability checks, at least for the time being.
As previously reported by Casino Guardian, punters in the UK are increasingly becoming subject to intrusive checks requiring personal financial information. If they fail to do so, they are not allowed to enter local betting shops. The new policies have put the staff members of British gambling operator’s betting outlets under increased pressure, too, because they are expected to ask customers for sensitive information, such as ID and proof of income in order to allow them to continue to place wagers.
The intrusive policies have sparked the anger of local punters and fierce opposition has grown against the affordability checks. The trade body representing licensed gambling companies in the UK – the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) – even claimed that the affordability checks would result in a decline in wagering, with punters to be deterred from wagering on some big events such as the Cheltenham Festival that is set to be held in March.
Tabcorp Believes TAB Retail Betting Shops Have the Right Measures to Combat Problem Gambling
As mentioned above, for the time being, it seems quite unlikely for Australia to go down a similar path.
Tabcorp noted that the operators in its TAB retail betting shops were well-trained to identify potential problem gamblers and protect them from gambling-related harm, and there were several ways the company could take action. Apart from that, the gambling company believes that it has the right measures in place to combat potential gambling addiction.
The Australian gambling operator further shared that its retail network undergoes regular compulsory compliance training of its staff members, with the employees being specially trained to identify signs of potential compulsive gambling behaviour and to intervene in a safe manner, have a discussion with the customer and, if necessary, ask the patrons to leave the venue if there are any signs the customers could be suffering from problem gambling.
TAB service operators in Australia are trained to observe for warning signs of gambling addiction, so when their employees approach someone, they can ask them to answer a range of questions and, in case they are not satisfied with the answers, they can ask the person to leave the betting shop.
- Author
Olivia Cole
