Punt is a long gamble, most often used as part of "take a punt". As you say, probably related to football usage.

I don't know if punter (as in, customer) is related. I suppose buying something is always a bit of a punt to some extent.

They are related, it seems. punter being gambler but evolving into general 'customer/member of the public' over time.

Never heard of that usage (I'm also British).

could it be a cockney thing ?

I've also not heard it, also a Brit. Dunno what the source is of someone saying there's no punt?

No, but do check with Dick van Dyke - the real mockney geezer

"interesting, so when a fellow is taken up by the cops, and he says "thers no punt, im telling you truth", is that unfamiliar?"

Yes it is unfamiliar - it is unlikely that anyone in the UK has accidentally said that.

"i have a lot of different nationalities partaking of my wilderness lodge, and a lot of the younger english ones use punt/play/burn/scam as equivalent."

Given you have a dislike of capitals, I'll hazard a guess at your age (but not tell you). Kids here (UK) don't use words like that, says Granddad! I get a capital G because I say so.

If I had to guess, I've probably replied to a shit AI sigh

im organic, and im older than dirt.