Protecting children and the vulnerable
Tackling crime
Fair betting
Contributions to horse and dog racing

Protecting children and the vulnerable

Millions of people enjoy gambling responsibly in Britain each year. The 2007 Prevalence study showed that just 0.6% of adults are problem gamblers - a figure unchanged since 1999. However, the ABB recognises that, as the leading trade association for the British betting industry, it has a crucial role to play in minimising risk for the minority of people who may experience difficulties with their gambling. Prior to the implementation of the new Gambling Act, British bookmakers had introduced a number of responsible gambling policies which, no doubt, have contributed to keeping the rate of problem gambling very low. These policies are now internalised within the Gambling Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. The ABB fully supports the new industry advertising code's requirement to include details of the RIGT website, www.gambleaware.co.uk, on advertisements. Bookmakers will continue to support RIGT, promote GamCare, offer self-exclusion and interact with customers needing help. We will maintain our very good track record of keeping under 18s out of betting shops. We will continue working closely with the Commission and charities to build on this success.

Tackling crime

Proceeds of Crime Act Guidelines

The ABB produces guidelines for its members on how the Proceeds of Crime Act affects them, what they should look for and avoid, and how they should work with SOCA.

Reward scheme

The ABB Reward Scheme makes payments to members of the public for their assistance in achieving a successful prosecution following a robbery of a betting shop(s) or an attack on betting shop staff. Through the Scheme, which is not restricted to ABB Members, the ABB will pay up to £10,000, subject to a police assessment of the criminal act concerned and the involvement of the applicant, including any personal risk that may have been involved.

Crimestoppers

The ABB supports the charity Crimestoppers. Members of the public can phone 0800 555 111 (also publicised on the Reward notices distributed for display in the shops of ABB members) to report their concerns anonymously. They do not have to make a statement. Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, 60,000 people have been arrested and charged as a result of calls to the charity.

Information sharing agreements with sports governing bodies

The ABB has entered into a number of agreements with sports bodies to share information. We provide information about any unusual betting patterns and are informed if the sports bodies have any concerns. Presently the ABB has agreements with 13 sports bodies.

Fair betting

The Gambling Act, like the previous legislation, requires bookmakers to make available their betting rules. To help its smaller members, the ABB has produced template rules that can be adapted locally. If customers do not feel that they have been treated fairly they should, in the first place, take this up with the bookmaker concerned. Most betting disputes are resolved locally. In the event that a dispute cannot be resolved, customers can, take this to an independent adjudicator. Most bookmakers are registered with IBAS (see links). This service is free of charge to customers.

Contributions to horse and dog racing

Horserace Betting Levy Board

Bookmakers provide a percentage of their gross profits (stakes minus winnings)on British horseracing under the statutory 'Levy' (see HBLB, under links). In 2006/07 bookmakers paid about £90m in Levy. The funds collected are applied to three statutory purposes: the improvement of breeds of horses; the advancement or encouragement of veterinary science or veterinary education; and the improvement of horseracing. Bookmakers additionally spend about £30m on the rights to show horseracing pictures in betting shops. Bookmakers also sponsor many important race meetings.

British Greyhound Racing Fund

On a voluntary basis, bookmakers contribute 0.6% of their greyhound turnover to the British Greyhound Racing Fund (see links). Contributions are currently about £12m. The Fund contributes to prize money, integrity, stadia and greyhound welfare. Bookmakers also pay about £18m to greyhound racing for fixtures organised by Bookmakers' Afternoon Greyhound Services (BAGS). Bookmakers also sponsor key greyhound meetings.

  
association of british bookmakers
info@abb.uk.com
tel: 020 7434 2111