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Gambling industry threatens legal battle over new affordability checks

A high-stakes showdown looms as the BGC calls new gambling rules 'disproportionate'—and vows to fight them in court. Could this backfire on players?

, and Administrator

2026 May 20 . 5:02 AM

1 min read

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Gambling industry threatens legal battle over new affordability checks

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has threatened legal action over proposed gambling affordability checks. The industry body claims the new rules are flawed and could push bettors toward unregulated markets. Meanwhile, the Gambling Commission insists any changes will be gradual and based on evidence.

The Gambling Commission has not yet finalised its decision on the new regulations. It estimates only 3% of customers will face checks, but the BGC disputes this figure. According to the council, up to 10% of regular bettors and 20% of those spending over £200 a year could be affected.

The BGC argues that the current pilot scheme has major issues. Data from credit reference agencies has proven unreliable, leading to inconsistent results. Operators also fear customers will be forced to share sensitive financial documents, which many may refuse to provide. Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, called the proposed measures 'disproportionate'. She warned they could drive players toward illegal gambling sites, reducing tax revenue for the government. The council has repeatedly described the checks as 'ineffective and counterproductive' and hinted at potential legal challenges if the plans proceed. The Gambling Commission maintains that any future regulations will be introduced slowly. It emphasises an 'evidence-led' approach to ensure fairness and minimise disruption for bettors.

The dispute centres on how many customers will be impacted and whether the checks will achieve their goals. If implemented, the rules could reshape how gambling operators verify customer finances. The BGC’s threat of legal action adds further uncertainty to the process.