The UK Gambling Commission has rejected criticism of its financial risk checks programme, confirming that players identified through the system will not be asked to provide detailed financial documents. The regulator said the approach is intended to identify risk while avoiding intrusive requirements.
Speaking at the Ethical Gambling Forum in London, Executive Director Tim Miller said the checks reflect policy direction set out in the 2023 Gambling Act Review white paper. He emphasised that the process is not designed as a blanket affordability system.
Miller stated that operators will not request bank statements or similar records following a financial risk assessment. He also said that “the checks we have been piloting will not even attempt to make an assessment of what each customer can afford to gamble”.
Pilot Results And Industry Concerns
The financial risk checks were tested in a pilot beginning in August 2024, initially applying to customers depositing £500 net per month. A second phase in February 2025 lowered the threshold to £150. Tier one operators participated, with some checks involving credit reference agencies.
The Commission said the system was not intended as a traditional affordability check. Miller noted that flagged customers were two to five times more likely to have debt issues or debt management plans in the past year.
Despite industry concerns, the regulator reported limited impact. Fewer than 3% of customers would trigger intervention steps, while 97% would complete checks without disruption. Only around 0.1% would need additional support, lower than earlier estimates of 0.6%. Helen Rhodes said the pilot “helped us understand the extent that assessments could be conducted in a frictionless manner.”
Next Steps And Regulatory Guidance Development
Miller addressed ongoing debate around data requirements, noting that requests for financial documents have been one of the most contentious elements of regulatory reform. He stated the Commission will issue guidance advising operators not to request additional documentation after an FRA, describing such action as lacking “a legitimate regulatory purpose”.
The regulator’s board has yet to decide whether to formally implement the system following the pilot phase. Any decision will depend on further evidence and continued government involvement. If approved, a joint implementation group involving the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, operators, and credit reference agencies would oversee rollout planning.
Focus On Illegal Market Enforcement And Future Policy
Alongside financial risk checks, Miller outlined enforcement efforts targeting illegal gambling operations. Between 2025 and 2026, the Commission issued 741 cease-and-desist notices, reported nearly 398,000 illegal URLs to search engines, and achieved the removal of approximately 267,000 of them. It also referred 1,068 websites for delisting and disrupted 1,134 through takedown or geo-blocking actions.
The regulator has received £26 million in additional funding over three years to support expanded enforcement, including work with a government-backed illegal gambling task force. Miller also confirmed plans to publish a national risk assessment focused on illegal gambling activity to help prioritise enforcement resources.
Miller concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach, stating that the regulated sector must remain competitive while continuing to prioritise consumer protection alongside innovation.
Source:
“UKGC director hits back at financial risk check criticisms, assures players not required to submit extra docs”, igamingbusiness.com, April 29, 2026
The post UK Gambling Commission Defends Financial Risk Checks Programme first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.