The UK Gambling Commission has postponed a decision on the future rollout of Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs), extending uncertainty around one of the most debated measures included in the UK government’s gambling reform plans.
The regulator reviewed the issue during a board meeting held on 21 May but stopped short of approving the next phase of implementation. The checks were introduced as part of the 2023 Gambling Act review White Paper and have remained a divisive issue among gambling operators, racing groups, politicians and gambling reform advocates.
In a statement released after the meeting, the Commission confirmed that more work is needed before any final decision can be made.
“[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 regulator also confirmed separately that no final conclusion had been reached regarding whether FRAs would move forward.
“The Gambling Commission Board met to consider next steps on Financial Risk Assessments,” a spokesperson for the regulator told SBC News this afternoon.
“It 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.”
Industry and Political Pressure Intensifies
The delay follows increased lobbying from multiple corners of the gambling sector ahead of the Commission’s meeting, with many stakeholders viewing 21 May as a potential deadline for confirmation of the checks and a timeline for implementation.
Financial Risk Assessments form the stricter tier of affordability-related measures proposed under the Gambling Act review. The checks are intended to identify customers showing signs of financial harm or gambling-related risk, particularly those losing significant sums of money within short periods.
The Gambling Commission has repeatedly argued that the checks are not designed to introduce mandatory spending caps or broad affordability limits for customers. According to the regulator, approximately 97% of active bettors would pass through the system without additional friction, while only a small percentage would require further review.
Ian Angus, the Commission’s policy director, defended the proposal earlier this week.
“Financial Risk Assessments are not affordability checks by another name – the checks we have been piloting will not even attempt to make an assessment of what each customer can afford to gamble”.
Tim Miller, executive director at the Gambling Commission, also said in April that operators would not need to request extra financial documents such as bank statements from customers following an FRA review.
Despite those assurances, opposition to the policy has continued to grow across the betting and horse racing industries. Critics have raised concerns about customer privacy, the accuracy of credit reference data and the possibility that stricter controls could push consumers toward unlicensed gambling platforms.
Earlier this week, cross-party MPs reportedly urged Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to abandon the policy, warning that affordability-style checks could place additional pressure on horse racing finances.
Prominent critics have included Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, broadcaster Matt Chapman and gambling reform advocate James Noyes.
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Concerns Over Customer Trust and Legal Challenges
Customer reaction remains another major issue surrounding the proposal. A YouGov survey commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council found that 65% of UK bettors would refuse to provide personal financial documents if it became necessary to continue gambling.
The Betting and Gaming Council also suggested earlier this week that it could pursue legal action if the checks proceed in full.
On Wednesday, the industry body welcomed the Commission’s decision to continue reviewing the evidence.
“We welcome the Gambling Commission’s confirmation that it is continuing to consider the extensive evidence submitted on Financial Risk Assessments.
“This is an important and constructive step in the process, and recognition that the evidence provided by industry, stakeholders and experts deserves careful consideration.
“However, there is still more work to do to ensure any future proposals are genuinely frictionless, proportionate, and do not drive customers towards the growing unsafe gambling black market.
“We look forward to continued engagement with the Commission in the weeks ahead.”
Legal experts have also questioned whether the regulator has gathered enough evidence to justify full implementation.
Sophie Kemp, partner and head of public law at Kingsley Napley, said unresolved concerns remain around customer friction, the reliability of financial data and the risk of black-market migration.
“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,” Kemp said.
For now, betting operators and customers remain without a confirmed timetable for the rollout of Financial Risk Assessments as the Gambling Commission continues reviewing the evidence gathered during the pilot phase.
Source:
“UK affordability rollout remains on hold as Gambling Commission review continues“, sbcnews.co.uk, May 21, 2026.