BHA and Racing to School launch new RG learning resource

Racing2Learn will run as a free online course that will allow users to learn about the BHA’s rules on gambling for licensed individuals, as well as an overview of problem gambling and its associated harms.

The module also addresses young people’s relationship with gambling and its links with gaming, and provides a list of resources available to those affected by problem gambling and organisations that offer support.

“Responsible gambling is an important topic for our sport and our industry, and education can be a hugely influential tool in ensuring those who bet on British racing do so safely,” BHA executive director Will Lambe said.

“We are fortunate to have Racing2Learn as a resource, providing in-depth remote learning opportunities on an extensive range of areas, and I would encourage all those interest to explore it further.”

Last year, Racing to School, in association with the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM), ran two pilot workshops aimed at educating young people on the relationship between gaming and gambling, to help raise awareness about related harms and sources of help.

Racing to School chief executive John Blake said the new online module will build on this and aim to reach more people across the racing sector.

“Why shouldn’t racing be a leader in educating young people around informed gambling choices as part of the sport’s on-going commitment to responsible gambling, entwined with the work to welcome the next generation of racing fans,” Blake said.

“We were never going to skirt around the potential harms while pointing to the strong support and advice network that is close to hand.

“This module is a vital first step of our work in this area, and we plan to expand our education programmes to feature the intrinsic and positive relationship between gambling and racing.”

The launch coincides with Safer Gambling Week 2020, which is running in the UK and Ireland from November 19-25.