The UK Gambling Commission has pushed back against growing criticism over proposed financial risk assessments for bettors, insisting the measures are not “affordability checks by another name” and will affect only a small percentage of customers.
Speaking at the Clarion Payments Providers event, Gambling Commission Director of Policy Ian Angus said the planned Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) are designed to identify serious financial vulnerability rather than limit how much people can spend on gambling. He stressed that the proposed system would not cap betting activity or automatically block customers from wagering.
The regulator maintains that fewer than 3% of active gambling accounts would trigger either a financial vulnerability check or a more detailed risk assessment. The checks form part of the UK government’s wider gambling reform programme introduced following the review of the 2005 Gambling Act.
Despite those assurances, opposition to the proposals has intensified across the betting industry and political circles. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that the measures could drive customers toward unregulated gambling platforms and has reportedly considered legal action against the Commission.
Critics argue that bettors may eventually be required to provide documents such as payslips or bank statements if spending thresholds are exceeded. Current pilot thresholds reportedly focus on customers losing £1,000 within 24 hours or £2,000 over a 90-day period.
Political pressure has also mounted in recent weeks. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the proposed checks as “a disaster” that could push gambling activity underground, while a cross-party group of MPs warned the rules may cause serious harm to Britain’s horseracing sector.
The Gambling Commission confirmed this week that its board is still reviewing evidence gathered during pilot trials and has not yet made a final decision on the rollout of FRAs. A spokesperson said further updates will be provided once the assessment process is complete.