The UK Gambling Commission's proposed enhanced affordability checks are facing strong resistance from bettors. According to the latest poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Gambling and Gaming Commission, 65% of British bettors stated that they would outright refuse if asked to provide personal financial documents such as bank statements or pay slips to continue betting. This finding has intensified concerns within the industry: stringent financial checks could push customers towards unregulated gambling markets. Honestly, anyone would hesitate to upload a payslip for a bet of a few tens of pounds.
"Frictionless" promises may become empty words
A YouGov survey released by BGC on Wednesday shows that bettors have a strong aversion to sharing sensitive financial information. This reluctance could lead to a significant loss of customers in the regulated industry. Previous survey data obtained by BGC from the Gambling Commission through Freedom of Information requests also confirmed this trend: among more than 12,000 respondents, 77% opposed financial risk checks, with only 14% of frequent bettors willing to provide financial details. BGC believes that these data collectively indicate that mandatory financial document checks could have a far greater impact on customers than regulatory bodies anticipate. BGC CEO Grainne Hurst stated bluntly, "Ministers promised bettors 'frictionless' checks, but the Gambling Commission is pushing exactly the opposite. Forcing bettors to hand over bank statements is not 'frictionless'; it is intrusive and pushes customers towards an unprotected illegal market." In 2024, more than 100,000 people signed a petition against these checks, sparking a debate in Westminster Hall, where ministers promised that checks would only be introduced when they are 'truly frictionless'."
The horse racing industry jointly warns, the risk of the black market is real
The British Horse Racing Association also signed an open letter to Culture Minister Lisa Nandy, warning that strict affordability checks could have unintended consequences for the sport of horse racing. The letter pointed out that intrusive affordability measures could scare away regular bettors, ultimately affecting the funding model of horse racing. "This unprecedented national intervention infringes on the private lives of millions who love horse racing." BGC increasingly warns of the risks of unregulated gambling, estimating that up to £60 million in bets went to unregulated operators during the Cheltenham Festival. The Gambling Commission launched financial risk checks based on player's monthly net deposits in the summer of 2024, but the controversy has been ongoing. For more UK gambling regulatory dynamics, keep an eye on PASA official website.
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