UKGC survey reveals public discontent over affordability checks

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released data from a 2021 survey, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, showing widespread public opposition to affordability checks, now referred to as "financial risk checks". The survey, which had been withheld until now, highlights significant resistance among gamblers to these measures.

The survey, which involved 12,000 respondents, was brought to light by the advisory business Regulus Group and its partner Dan Waugh, who submitted the FOI request after being previously denied access. The UKGC initially claimed there was “no outstanding public interest” in disclosing the information.

Results indicate that 42% of respondents would refuse additional information requests from operators, and 22.5% would stop gambling with those operators altogether. Only 14% indicated they would comply with the extra assessments. Regarding comfort levels with these requests, 18% felt uncomfortable, and 48% felt very uncomfortable.

Dan Waugh commented on the findings: “It raises doubts...about the extent to which the Gambling Commission is in earnest when it runs these consultations.” He suggested that the initial refusal to disclose the survey results may have been intentional due to the negative feedback.

The survey’s disclosure coincides with the pilot of financial risk checks set to begin in August as part of the Gambling Act 2005 review White Paper published in April 2023. Despite the negative feedback, the UKGC appears committed to implementing these checks.

Concerns about the feasibility of affordability checks were first raised by the Racing Post in September last year. Tom Kerr, Editor of the Racing Post, had previously voiced public dismay over the UKGC’s proposals: “It is vital that the voice of punters is heard in this consultation, and this survey is an important part of ensuring that happens.”

In response to the release, a UKGC spokesperson reassured that all views and responses were “carefully considered” in developing the new financial risk assessment approach.