Gambling Commission Defends Financial Risk Assessments

The Gambling Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing financial risk assessments (FRAs) despite growing criticism from the betting and horse racing industries, which warn the measures could push vulnerable players toward unregulated markets. Speaking at the Ethical Gambling Forum hosted by Flutter Entertainment, Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Commission, emphasized that FRAs will be ‘frictionless for the vast majority of consumers’ while targeting those at risk.

Miller highlighted findings from a six-month pilot program conducted in 2024-2025, which revealed that customers flagged by FRAs were **twice to four times more likely** to have debt management plans and **twice to five times more likely** to have defaults in the past year compared to the general population. He stressed that while some operators may already identify these vulnerable players, ‘too many are being missed.’

However, industry opposition remains fierce. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), warned that FRAs risk becoming a ‘box-ticking exercise,’ driving players to offshore operators. He noted that since the introduction of affordability checks, visits to unregulated sites have surged, citing concerns that regulators are focusing on perception rather than consequences.

Political figures have also weighed in. Conservative Shadow Minister Nigel Huddleston warned that FRAs could displace **£4.3 billion** in annual betting activity to black markets, where **1.5 million Brits** already gamble. He argued that the measures risk increasing harm by pushing players away from regulated operators, which fund British sports.

Despite the backlash, the Gambling Commission insists FRAs will affect only **0.1% of British bettors**, with **97% of triggered assessments** being frictionless. Miller acknowledged that the Commission will soon present recommendations to its board, emphasizing the need for a strong evidence base and collaboration with operators, credit agencies, and the government to ensure a proportionate implementation.

Miller also criticized the ‘toxic’ nature of the debate, calling out misinformation as a key challenge. While the Commission pledges to ramp up action against illegal markets, industry figures remain skeptical about whether FRAs will achieve their intended goal of protecting vulnerable players without exacerbating the problem.