Affordability checks: what is happening and how can you have your say?

What is the Gambling Commission doing?

In November the Gambling Commission launched a consultation and call for evidence on "remote customer interaction". The industry regulator said online gambling operators had the capability of identifying customers who may be harmed by gambling but were not doing enough to prevent the vulnerable from losing more than they could afford. In order to reduce problem gambling, one of the actions the Gambling Commission is now proposing is the introduction of affordability checks.

What impact might it have on customers?

The Gambling Commission is proposing that affordability checks be made on gamblers once certain loss thresholds are reached. In practice that could mean that if a punter makes a net loss of as little as £100 while gambling over a monthly period then they could be required to provide information to prove they can afford to lose more.

The commission has said it expects the majority of assessments would be supported by third-party providers to validate or supplement information collected from customers directly. That information is likely to include proof of income, as well as take into account other information such as savings, inheritance, winnings, or one-off payments.

The commission has made it clear that information would need to be collected directly from customers and that they understand "consumers may feel inconvenienced or uncomfortable by being required to provide data". They add that it should also be recognised their proposals "will remove some freedoms from some customers".

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What impact might it have on racing?

Last month MPs with racecourses and racing interests in their constituencies were written to by racing bodies about the affordability consultation. The letter warned that the Gambling Commission's proposals could generate more than £60 million in direct losses to the racing industry.

Those losses would come from reduced levy earnings and media rights payments. There was a warning that racecourses could close as a result, as well as the potential additional financial effect on the rural economy.

However, Arena Racing Company chief executive Martin Cruddace over the weekend described that figure as conservative, claiming the financial impact on British racing could be as much as £100m if estimates that six or seven out of ten punters would not go through the affordability check process and give up betting on horses proved correct.

What does the government say?

One of the racing's industry's other concerns about the consultation is the potential for the government not to be involved in the decision-making process. The Gambling Commission's consultation is happening separately to the government's ongoing review of the 2005 Gambling Act and sports minister Nigel Huddleston last month would go no further than saying the consultation "may" inform the regulator's advice to the government as part of its gambling review. Racing has asked for the government and parliament to be consulted before any changes are implemented by the commission.

How can you have your say?

The Gambling Commission has said it wants to "minimise the risk of unintended consequences" as a result of the consultation and that it wants an "open and public dialogue". As a result it is keen to hear directly from the customers of bookmakers. Those wanting to make their views known as part of the consultation can do so until February 9 by clicking here.

Read more:

Affordability checks could see some gamblers turn to black market operators

Arc boss Cruddace warns of £100m hit to racing from punter affordability checks

Racing faces 'existential threat' if rigid bet limits imposed warns pro-punter

Chancellor Rishi Sunak listens to fears over affordability checks on punters

Affordability checks could drive punters away from racing says bettors' forum

Punters' body sounds warning on review's proposed affordability checks

Spend limits considered as gambling review is launched by government

Gambling Commission issues final warning to industry over VIP schemes

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