Published on 16th July 2026 by Zena Grantham

MPs have given the UK Gambling Commission until 24 July to answer questions over UKGC affordability checks and Financial Risk Assessments.

The debate surrounding UKGC affordability checks has intensified after Parliament stepped in to scrutinise the UK Gambling Commission’s plans to introduce Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs).

The Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee has written to the regulator requesting a detailed response to several questions about the policy. The UK Gambling Commission must respond by 24 July.

The Committee is not trying to block Financial Risk Assessments. Instead, Parliament is scrutinising how the policy was developed and how the UK Gambling Commission plans to introduce it.

The inquiry focuses on three areas. Parliament wants to examine the evidence supporting the checks, the consultation process and the planned implementation.

Evidence behind Financial Risk Assessments comes under scrutiny

Parliament is scrutinising the evidence supporting Financial Risk Assessments.

The CMS Committee has called on the UK Gambling Commission to explain how it set the proposed financial thresholds. Parliament has also requested details of whether the regulator will publish the data, methodology and evidence supporting the policy.

Those questions reflect concerns from the gambling industry, which has argued that the UK Gambling Commission has not fully disclosed the evidence underpinning the reforms.

Will the new system reduce the number of affordability checks?

The UK Gambling Commission has said Financial Risk Assessments will reduce the need for intrusive affordability checks.

Parliament now wants evidence that the new system will deliver on that promise.

Another key question is whether Financial Risk Assessments will reduce the number of bank statements and payslips that operators request. Lawmakers also want to know whether operators will still need to carry out additional affordability assessments.

Consultation process and industry involvement questioned

Parliament is seeking greater transparency over the consultation process behind Financial Risk Assessments.

Parliament has requested details of how the UK Gambling Commission consulted gambling operators, sporting organisations, consumer groups and other stakeholders before finalising the policy.

The Committee needs greater clarity on how their feedback influenced the final proposals.

Horse racing remains at the centre of the debate

Horse racing has become a significant part of the wider debate surrounding Financial Risk Assessments.

The CMS Committee wants to know how the horse racing industry will contribute to implementing Financial Risk Assessments. The request follows concerns from racing bodies, which have argued that regulators should not develop reforms affecting betting activity without industry engagement.

The Committee’s intervention is likely to renew pressure on the UK Gambling Commission. The UKGC must demonstrate that it consulted the sectors most affected by the proposed changes before introducing the reforms.

Dame Caroline Dinenage calls for greater transparency

CMS Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said Parliament supports measures that protect vulnerable people. She believes the UK Gambling Commission must provide greater clarity over the evidence behind Financial Risk Assessments.

“Protecting vulnerable people from gambling-related harm is vital, but so too is recognising the economic contribution made by the gambling industry. The Gambling Commission must be clear about the evidence behind its decisions and work closely with operators to ensure the introduction of Financial Risk Assessments does not place unnecessary burdens on responsible businesses.”

What happens next?

The UK Gambling Commission is expected to respond to the Committee by 24 July.

The response should provide further detail on the evidence supporting Financial Risk Assessments. It should also explain how the consultation process shaped the policy and clarify how the regulator intends to introduce the new framework.

Parliament’s intervention represents the most significant scrutiny of Financial Risk Assessments since the proposals were announced. The UK Gambling Commission must now respond to the Committee’s questions by 24 July. That response is expected to provide further detail on the evidence behind the policy, the consultation process and how Financial Risk Assessments will be introduced.