BHA to publish new code of conduct for gambling sponsorship
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the publication of its new code of conduct for gambling sponsorship agreements. The move follows a proposal in last year’s UK Gambling paper for all sports to develop such a code.
The BHA code of conduct was developed with input from stakeholders in the sector, the Racecourse Association, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Betting and Gambling Council (BGC). The authority says the code will help ensure minimum standards of social responsibility are met in all sponsorship agreements with gambling operators.
Racecourse and racing stakeholders are asked to adhere to four principles when considering sponsorship agreements with gambling operators: reinvesting in the sport, maintaining sporting integrity, protecting children and young people and ensuring that betting promotion is carried out in a socially responsible manner.
Racing companies must only enter into agreements with licensed operators and the deals must benefit the wider sector and protect the integrity of racing. Partnerships must not be harmful to young audiences or at-risk players in any way.
The BHA said the code would be implemented alongside the existing Racecourse Owners Sponsorship Framework and Jockeys’ Sponsorship Code. It promised to work with DCMS to monitor the impact of the code and compliance across the sector.