Commenting on toda?_x0019_s announcement by the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, that Sir Alan Budd is to chair the Gambling Review Body, BHB Chief Executive, Tristram Ricketts, said:

“We welcome the appointment of such a distinguished economist to chair the body responsible for reviewing gambling legislation in Britain.

“The terms of reference announced by the Home Secretary today are wide-ranging and will enable the Review Body to address all the key issues of relevance to British racing, including the availability of betting facilities beyond licensed betting shops.

“We welcome explicit references in Mr Straw’s statement to the importance of taking into account technological developments in the gambling industry and the need to maximise international competitiveness.

“We fully support the Home Secretary in his determination to ensure that gambling is free from infiltration by criminal elements and that there is adequate protection for young and vulnerable people.”

MD say’s (no contact)