Gamblers who wager more than £1,000 online within a 24-hour period will now be required to undergo a financial risk assessment, as announced by the Gambling Commission on July 7, 2026. This measure also targets those spending over £3,000 in a rolling 90-day timeframe. The new regulations aim to identify high-spending customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties.
Details of the New Risk Assessment Regulations
The Gambling Commission clarified that these assessments will not be classified as affordability checks. Instead, they will be based on data sourced from credit reference agencies. Initial checks will focus on customers over 25 years old who gamble more than £5,000 within a single day, impacting less than 0.5% of customers.
Subsequently, the threshold will decrease to £1,000 for all online gamblers, with under-25s facing a lower limit of £750. The commission plans to roll out these changes cautiously, engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
Industry Reactions to the New Measures
Betting and Gaming Council expressed disappointment regarding the new rules, arguing that they could inadvertently push customers towards the black market. The council's chief executive, Grainne Hurst, emphasized the need for accurate and reliable data to support these assessments, stating, "Our fundamental concerns remain, including the risk of driving customers towards the growing illegal gambling market."Conversely, Sarah Gardner, the acting chief executive of the Gambling Commission, stated that the majority of customers would not require an assessment, highlighting that the process would be seamless and would not affect credit scores.
Concerns Over Gambling Addiction and Financial Safety
In 2024, a survey indicated that 9.3% of online gamblers in Britain scored 8 or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, suggesting potential loss of control over gambling behavior. The Gambling Commission aims to address these issues by implementing risk assessments to support vulnerable gamblers.
Despite the regulatory changes, critics like the British Horseracing Authority argue that the new measures could lead to unnecessary scrutiny of racing bettors. The government has committed to ensuring that the assessments work for consumers, operators, and the broader gambling ecosystem.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
