Strict Affordability Checks May Not Go Ahead for UK Operators

As part of the review of the current Gambling Legislation, it was thought that players would have to undergo strict affordability checks in order to place online bets. However, it looks like the vigorous, in depth checks may no longer be required, with a general review of legislation taking place instead.

Strict Affordability Checks

As part of the UK’s overhaul of its gambling laws, many were calling for in-depth affordability checks to be carried out before players could make online wagers. These checks included players having to provide their wage slips in order for operators to establish whether players could actually afford to spend the amounts of money they wished to gamble.

Although campaigners in favour of these types of checks will undoubtedly be disappointed, many online gambling operators and bookmakers will be breathing a sigh of relief.

The UK Gambling Commission have made several suggestions regarding the current review of gambling laws, one of which was imposing affordability checks for players who lost more than £100 a month on gambling sites. However, those against these kinds of strict checks were worried that it would simply force players to seek out non-UK licensed or unlicensed gambling sites instead. They also claim that having to provide wager slips in order to be ‘allowed’ to spend your money, is a breach of civil liberties.

Losses from the Pandemic

Not only are many worried that players will simply resort to more underground bookmakers or gambling sites, but these kinds of strict checks would also result in significant revenue losses.

The Covid 19 Pandemic has already resulted in a £250million loss just in the horseracing industry and its expected that affordability checks would result in a further loss of £60million each year.

A review of the Gambling Act will be published shortly, and we will bring you the results of this when they’re made available.