The UK Gambling Commission has postponed its decision on whether to proceed with the wider rollout of Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs), leaving the future of the proposed affordability-style checks unresolved after its latest board meeting.
The regulator confirmed discussions took place on 21 May, where members reviewed next steps under the Gambling Act White Paper reforms. While an extensive evidence base was considered, officials said the assessment has not been completed.
“[UKGC] was presented with an extensive evidence base but has not yet fully completed its assessment of that evidence. We will communicate further in due course,” the Commission said.
FRAs are part of the government’s gambling reform programme and were trialled in a 2024 pilot designed to flag financial vulnerability without directly restricting spending.
Evidence Review Extends Regulatory Timeline
The pilot aimed to identify at-risk customers using behavioural and transactional signals rather than imposing limits. The Commission said most users would not be affected, with only a small minority requiring further checks.
Officials previously estimated around 3% of customers would trigger intervention, while 97% would pass through without disruption. The regulator also stressed the system is not intended as an affordability cap.
Gambling Commission executive director Tim Miller said operators would not be required to collect detailed financial documents such as bank statements under the proposals.
However, the pilot has drawn scrutiny over data reliability, customer friction and possible displacement toward unregulated operators.
Sophie Kemp, partner and head of public law at Kingsley Napley, said unresolved issues remain central to the debate.
“The Gambling Commission had already acknowledged unresolved questions about the reliability of credit reference data, customer friction and the risk of driving customers to unregulated black-market operators. The board’s decision to delay affordability checks tends to suggest that the pilot evidence has not resolved these concerns, feared across the industry,” she said.
She added that any future decision would need strong justification to withstand legal challenge.
Political and Industry Pushback Grows
Opposition to FRAs has intensified across the gambling sector, political groups and the racing industry. Critics warn the measures could shift betting activity away from regulated markets.
Cross-party MPs recently urged the Culture Secretary to reconsider the policy, citing potential impacts on horseracing and wider betting revenues. Industry bodies have raised similar concerns about unintended consequences and regulatory overreach.
The Betting and Gaming Council has warned that unclear implementation could accelerate movement toward unregulated operators.
Gambling Commission policy director Ian Angus reiterated that FRAs differ from traditional affordability checks, saying they do not assess what customers can afford to gamble but instead identify financial vulnerability signals.
No Timetable for Final Decision
The regulator has not confirmed when its review will conclude or whether FRAs will be implemented. Officials said any future rollout would be evidence-led and introduced gradually if approved.
For now, the policy remains under assessment pending further review of evidence and stakeholder feedback.
Source:
“Gambling Commission delays decision on Financial Risk Assessments”, igamingbusiness.com, May 22, 2026
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