The UK Gambling Commission has approved the introduction of new affordability checks for betting customers, a move aimed at identifying and supporting those who may be experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling. The decision ends months of delay and sets the stage for the implementation of so-called financial risk assessments, though a specific timeline for their rollout has not been confirmed.

Under the new measures, some customers seeking to open betting accounts may be required to provide additional financial documentation, such as bank statements and payslips. The Gambling Commission has emphasized that the majority of punters will not be subject to these assessments, indicating a targeted approach primarily focused on high-spending individuals.

However, the announcement has met with significant opposition from industry bodies, particularly the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The BHA warned that the checks could have severe financial repercussions for the racing sector and the wider UK economy. According to projections by the Betting and Gaming Council, the BHA anticipates that many bettors may refuse to submit the requested financial information, potentially pushing them towards unregulated black market operators.

Brant Dunshea, chief executive of the BHA, expressed strong disappointment with the regulator’s decision. He argued that the affordability checks could inadvertently increase gambling-related harm by driving customers away from regulated markets where protections exist. Dunshea also highlighted concerns over the economic impact, suggesting the measures might lead to a loss exceeding £250 million in revenue for British racing over the next five years, as well as a corresponding reduction in tax revenue for the Treasury.

The BHA characterized the Gambling Commission’s approval of the checks as “self-harm on an immense scale,” citing evidence from international experiences showing potentially damaging economic and social outcomes. The authority stressed that the added level of financial scrutiny could be seen as an unwarranted intrusion by many bettors.

In response, the Gambling Commission maintained that the affordability assessments are a necessary step toward responsible gambling regulation. Officials contend the checks will help identify consumers at risk of financial harm and provide tailored support, ultimately contributing to safer gambling environments without broadly disrupting the industry or punters who do not require intervention.

As the industry prepares for the next stages of implementation, questions remain about how the measures will be executed and whether the concerns raised by the BHA will materialize. The balance between consumer protection and industry vitality continues to be a contentious issue within the UK’s gambling sector.