A revised Code of Conduct has been released by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) with the intention of controlling sponsorship agreements with gaming companies. This revised code prioritizes social responsibility in racing sponsorships and is in line with the Gambling Act white paper.
This revised Code of Conduct was developed in cooperation with the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Racecourse Association, and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) by the BHA. The policy establishes minimal requirements for social responsibility in sponsorship agreements and represents the racing industry’s dedication to responsible wagering practices.
The revised code outlines four core principles that all racecourses and horseracing participants must adhere to when engaging with betting companies. These principles include:
The new code also provides guidance on how racing organizations should implement these principles, considering the specific dynamics of racing and its relationship with betting. Racing entities are expected to partner only with licensed operators and ensure that deals enhance the sport’s reputation while safeguarding younger and at-risk individuals.
This rule will be implemented in conjunction with the Jockeys Sponsorship rule and the current Sponsorship Framework for Racecourse Owners. In line with its continued participation in talks on gambling reform, the BHA is dedicated to collaborating closely with the DCMS to monitor the effects and compliance with the new code.
The BHA’s new regulations are in line with larger industry initiatives to encourage safer gaming practices. Leading organizations are paying more and more attention to ethical gaming and long-term sustainability as the gaming industry changes.
The whole Code of Conduct can be seen on the BHA’s official website for more specific details.