UK affordability checks are facing renewed political and industry criticism ahead of a key decision by the UK Gambling Commission on whether to proceed with the controversial measures.
The debate intensified after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that the proposed checks could push bettors toward unregulated gambling markets and damage traditional bookmakers. Speaking on political podcast Never Mind The Ballots, Farage described the plans as “a disaster” and accused regulators of “killing the industry.”
The affordability checks, officially referred to by the Gambling Commission as “financial risk assessments,” would target online gambling customers who hit certain spending thresholds. Current trials focus on users losing more than £1,000 within 24 hours or £2,000 over a 90-day period.
Under the proposals, some customers could be asked to provide documents such as payslips or bank statements to prove they can afford continued gambling activity. Critics argue the process could alienate customers and send them to black-market operators outside UK regulation.
Opposition has widened beyond political figures. Cross-party MPs and racing industry representatives have also raised concerns about the checks’ impact on betting customers and the wider gambling sector. The British Horseracing Authority previously warned that racing could lose up to £250m annually if punters reduce spending or move to offshore sites.
Even some former supporters of affordability checks are now urging caution. James Noyes, one of the original advocates of the policy, recently called for a pause in implementation, while former gambling minister Stuart Andrew has also reportedly backed a rethink.
Industry critics argue the proposed system fails to distinguish between betting products and higher-risk online casino games. They claim spending thresholds alone are an unreliable way to identify gambling harm, particularly for sports bettors who may wager regularly without showing signs of addiction.
The Gambling Commission has defended the initiative, stating the checks are designed as targeted consumer protection measures aimed at people experiencing significant financial losses. According to the regulator, fewer than 3% of active accounts would trigger additional checks, with most assessments expected to be frictionless.
The Commission is expected to decide soon whether to formally introduce the new system, with the outcome likely to shape the future direction of UK gambling regulation.