The BHA introduces a whistleblower service.
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has introduced an anonymous reporting service called "RaceWISE" to deal with certain integrity-related issues. This platform focuses on securing fairness, preventing betting manipulation and money laundering, and ensuring animal welfare. In recent times, safety standards have been greatly enhanced. Here's an overview of the process.
Anonymous Reporting Service
Chris Watts, the Head of Integrity at the BHA, stated, "The addition of RaceWISE to our existing reporting services broadens our reach." This new service enables anyone concerned to report potential breaches of the racing regulations related to fairness for free over the phone or online. The allegations can range from betting manipulation, drug and doping offenses, distribution of insider information, and unusual training sessions. Watts further elaborated, "We want those who notice or suspect a breach to feel secure in using this service, knowing their identity will remain hidden."
Incorporating a Broader Audience
Unlike the previous whistleblower service, "Racestraight," RWCI will incorporate not only jockeys and trainers, but also sports fans and betting customers. The BHA plans to publicize the service through a promotional campaign that includes television ads and graphics at the racetracks.
Partnership with Crimestoppers
The new system was developed in conjunction with Crimestoppers, an independent charity. The partnership was established to enhance the strategic processing and investigation of relevant information. The goal is to maintain fair play in horse racing and preserve the integrity of the sport. A press statement read, "We exist to protect the honest majority and hold those who seek an unfair advantage or harm the sport's integrity to account."
Mark Hallas, CEO of Crimestoppers, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of "transparency and openness" to uphold horse racing as a trustworthy activity for all participants. Observed misconduct has prompted the utility of the extended whistleblowing service by the charity.
Public Concerns and Industry Response
The BHA announced in March 2019 plans to expand its whistleblowing service to confront challenges damaging the integrity of the sport. Previously, only BHA employees had access to such a service. Growing public worries on issues such as corruption and animal welfare led to this expansion.
Concerns around animal welfare have been particularly raised. Improper training methods and doping abuse drew criticism as animal welfare became a hot topic. PETA regularly made negative headlines, citing animal cruelty. A high-profile case of significance occurred at Santa Anita Park in March 2019, leading to the deaths of 21 racehorses.
Enhancing Safety Standards
In response to these concerns, the BHA has worked to enhance its safety standards in recent years. New anti-doping rules were introduced to offer a more positive image to the betting and spectating public. The BHA, National Trainers' Federation (NTF), and Racehorse Owners' Association (ROA) collaborated to create an independent disciplinary panel for a fair and impartial review of horse racing's rules. They united in promoting a zero-tolerance policy on banned substances to safeguard the image of horse racing. Chief executive of the BHA, Nick Rust, noted, "Leading trainers and the NTF have endorsed the zero-tolerance policy on banned substances."
This popular sport, second in popularity to soccer in the UK, and the most economically significant sport for the betting industry with around €16 billion in turnover between 2017 and 2018, has much at stake. The online gambling sector saw close to €6 billion in online betting with 37% market share.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
