Two-thirds of UK bettors oppose stricter affordability checks

A majority of UK bettors are opposed to stricter affordability checks, according to new polling data. The findings add weight to ongoing industry concerns that tighter regulations could disrupt the regulated market. There are fears that this could push customers towards unlicensed operators.

Strong resistance to financial checks

A YouGov poll commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) found that 65% of UK bettors would refuse to provide personal financial documents like bank statements or payslips. This is in order to continue gambling.

The results show there’s a clear reluctance among consumers to engage with enhanced verification processes. Industry stakeholders warn this could lead to significant customer drop-off if the Gambling Commission enforces mandatory checks.

The findings also align with earlier data obtained by the BGC from a Gambling Commission survey via a Freedom of Information request. That research showed 77% of respondents opposed financial risk checks. Just 14% of frequent bettors said they would be willing to share financial details.

Concerns over ‘frictionless’ checks

The debate centres on whether affordability checks can be implemented without disrupting the user experience.

Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the BGC, criticised the current direction of proposals. She stated that requiring bank statements is neither “frictionless” nor practical. She warned that such measures risk pushing consumers towards unregulated platforms. On these, protections are limited or non-existent.

“Ministers promised punters frictionless checks, but the Gambling Commission risks pushing ahead with the exact opposite. Forcing punters to hand over bank statements isn’t ‘frictionless’, it’s intrusive and will drive customers to the illegal market, where there are no safeguards at all.” – Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council

The BGC has also pointed to operational issues identified during early trials of financial vulnerability checks. These include unclear data outputs, inconsistent results and increased friction in the customer journey.

More than 100,000 people signed a petition opposing the checks in 2024. This prompted a Westminster Hall debate. At the time, former minister Stuart Andrew said the measures would only be introduced if they were “truly frictionless”.

Wider industry and racing sector concerns

Concerns extend beyond operators to the racing industry. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has backed an open letter warning that stricter affordability checks could have unintended consequences for the sport.

The letter, addressed to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, argued that intrusive financial checks may deter regular bettors. Ultimately, they could impact racing’s funding model.

Industry bodies have also raised concerns about the growth of the black market. The BGC estimates that around £60 million was wagered with unregulated operators during the Cheltenham Festival alone.

The Gambling Commission first introduced financial risk checks in summer 2024, based on players’ monthly net deposits. The policy has remained controversial. There has been an ongoing debate over how to balance consumer protection with market sustainability.

Further refinement needed?

The latest polling data reinforces a growing divide between regulators and industry stakeholders. Affordability checks are intended to protect vulnerable players, but opposition from bettors and concerns across the sector suggest the current approach may require further refinement.