UK Gambling Commission's new affordability checks face industry pushback

Members of the UK Culture, Media and Sport Committee wrote to the Gambling Commission asking it to detail the evidence base, methodology, consumer impact and stakeholder consultation behind its planned financial affordability assessments. The regulator explained that light‑touch vulnerability checks have been in place since August 2024 for customers depositing over £500 (later reduced to £150), while full financial risk assessments for higher spenders will be introduced in stages, starting with a trigger of £5,000 in net deposits within 24 hours (or £2,500 for under‑25s) and later lowering thresholds.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) criticised the Commission’s handling of pre‑announcement talks, saying its account omitted two months of earlier outreach attempts. Acting Chief Officer Sarah Gardner told the committee that the Commission had invited the BHA to discuss the new rules before the July 7 announcement, but the BHA claims it had sought dialogue months earlier without a substantive exchange. The BHA also said the Commission’s response failed to acknowledge concerns about due‑process and stakeholder engagement. Evidence supporting the new affordability checks will not be published until autumn, and a meeting between the two bodies has now been arranged.