The upcoming Gambling White Paper requires balance, not just between protecting the vulnerable and maintaining betting’s sustainability, but also ensuring it continues to support various affected sectors.

Caroline Nokes, the MP for Hampshire’s Romsey and Southampton North constituency, put this argument across in a recent article on ConservativeHome, emphasising in particular the betting industry’s contribution to rural communities.

This support, she explained, comes indirectly via the sector’s backing of horse racing, something evidenced last week by the Cheltenham Festival.

“In rural constituencies like mine you cannot help but notice the impact of equestrian sport on the local environment and economy,” Nokes said.