All the details of the UK’s gambling financial risk assessment reform

The Gambling Commission insists the UK’s proposed financial risk assessments will be frictionless. It says they’re targeted only at players showing signs of financial vulnerability. Opponents argue the reforms risk driving customers to unlicensed operators instead. And that this will place further pressure on a heavily taxed sector.

With the UKGC Board set to review pilot findings this week, the future of the checks has entered a crucial phase.

What are financial risk assessments?

Financial risk assessments were first outlined in the UK government’s 2023  Gambling White Paper as part of wider safer gambling reforms.

They are designed to identify financially vulnerable players through checks conducted by credit reference agencies. Players who reach specific spending thresholds would trigger an assessment. The UKGC says it would not affect credit scores.

According to the regulator, the checks are intended to identify indicators such as debt management plans, payment defaults or bankruptcy. Operators could then intervene with additional safer gambling measures if it were deemed appropriate.

The Commission has stated that around 3% of active gambling accounts are expected to meet the thresholds required for an assessment.

Why are the checks controversial?

The reforms have faced sustained criticism from parts of the gambling industry, horse racing stakeholders and some former supporters of affordability checks.

One of the loudest critics has been the British Horseracing Authority. It estimates betting operators could lose £900 million annually if the checks are implemented. The organisation also predicts horse racing itself could lose £250 million over five years.

Critics argue the reforms may not really be frictionless in practice. There are concerns that some customers could still be asked to provide bank statements or financial documents.

What does the Gambling Commission say?

The UK Gambling Commission maintains that the reforms are designed to protect financially vulnerable customers. It states there won’t be unnecessary disruption for the wider gambling population.

The regulator says pilot participants who triggered assessments were significantly more likely to have recent defaults or debt management plans compared to similar customers who did not trigger checks.

The Commission has stressed that the measures are intended to support sustainable gambling rather than push players towards land-based gambling or the black market.

What could the impact be on online casinos and slots?

Although much of the public debate has focused on sports betting and horse racing, online casino operators could also face significant consequences.

Online slots are the largest contributor to Britain’s remote gambling market. They account for more than half of total gross gambling yield in recent UKGC figures. That means many of the highest-spending online casino players could also fall within the proposed thresholds.

The worry is that if those customers encounter friction or restrictions, some may migrate towards offshore gambling sites. Ones that do not apply the same protective controls.

It’s already a difficult time for operators in 2026 as they’re now adjusting to major tax changes, including the rise in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% introduced in April.

What happens next?

The latest findings from the UKGC’s pilot programme were presented to the regulator’s Board on 7 May.

Although some industry figures view the meeting as a pivotal moment for the reforms, the Commission has stressed that no final implementation timeline has yet been confirmed.

The regulator says that if financial risk assessments are approved, it will work alongside operators and credit reference agencies on a phased rollout designed to minimise friction.

The debate is finely balanced for now. The outcome could change the future direction of Britain’s online gambling sector for years to come.