Racing broadcaster Oli Bell has defended high street betting shops against new powers announced by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, which would allow councils to block new shops, grouping them with vape shops and "rogue operators".
Writing in the Mirror ahead of the York Ebor Festival, Bell called the narrative "dangerous and unfair", noting that betting shops are regulated and play an important community role for many who enjoy gambling.
Comparing gambling and alcohol harm
Bell highlighted statistics showing 8.7% of the UK population suffer from an alcohol use disorder, while according to The Priory website, only 0.3% of adults were identified as problem gamblers.
He questioned why gambling is treated as the "dirty word" when pubs are considered community assets under Burnham's approach.
National Lottery funding praised
Bell also pointed to the recent European Athletics Championships, where British athletes credited the National Lottery for funding. He noted that the lottery is a form of gambling played by roughly 32% of the population and asked whether Burnham would also seek to scrap it.
Call for unity and Ebor tips
Bell urged the racing and betting industries to unite, saying racing cannot afford for individual jurisdictions and personnel to look after themselves.
Providing tips for the York Ebor Festival in the Mirror, Bell tipped Constitution River in the Juddmonte International, Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks, Bacio in the Nunthorpe, Notable Speech in the City of York Stakes, and Beylerbeyi in the SkyBet Ebor on Saturday.
