UK Regulator Orders Checks on £1,000 Online Gambling Spend as Bookies Warn of Black Market
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 7
UK Regulator Orders Checks on £1,000 Online Gambling Spend as Bookies Warn of Black Market
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 7
Summary
Gamblers spending more than £1,000 online in 24 hours — or £3,000 over 90 days — will face financial risk assessments under new Gambling Commission rules, with lower thresholds for under-25s.
The watchdog said the checks are driven by evidence that high-spending customers are far more likely to show financial distress, including debt plans and recent defaults, yet often go unidentified by operators.
Initial rollout starts this summer at the biggest gambling firms for over-25s spending more than £5,000 in 24 hours; the commission said fewer than 0.5% of customers will be affected at first.
Sarah Gardner said the assessments will be document-free, use credit-reference data and not affect credit scores, while stressing they are not the broader 'affordability checks' gamblers oppose.
The Betting and Gaming Council said the industry is 'disappointed and frustrated,' arguing the data and practical operation remain unresolved and warning stricter rules could push users to illegal gambling sites.