New UK gambling checks face fierce backlash from racing and betting sectors

Britain's racing and betting worlds unite against intrusive financial checks—could this push gamblers underground? The Gambling Commission's pilot now hangs in the balance.

, and Administrator

2026 May 30 . 11:03 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of gamblers attacking the readers, depicted in a paper with a drawing of a... — The image shows a group of gamblers attacking the readers, depicted in a paper with a drawing of a man in a hat and a woman in a dress. The gamblers are standing in a line, with some of them holding objects in their hands, while the woman is lying on the ground in front of them. At the bottom of the paper, there is some text written.

New UK gambling checks face fierce backlash from racing and betting sectors

New affordability checks for bettors have sparked a backlash from both the gambling industry and British racing. Over 400 figures, including MPs and racing officials, have opposed the plans, warning of serious consequences. The Gambling Commission insists the measures will only become permanent if they run smoothly in trials.

The Gambling Commission is testing financial risk assessments to prevent excessive gambling. Its goal is to make the process quick and simple for most customers. If the pilot succeeds, the checks will be rolled out permanently.

The Betting and Gaming Council has raised concerns that stricter rules could push bettors towards unregulated operators. A recent survey found that 65% of gamblers would refuse to share personal financial documents, even if it meant they could no longer place bets. Industry leaders argue that such resistance could undermine the entire system.

British racing has also joined the opposition, fearing a sharp drop in betting-related funding. The British Horseracing Authority warned that these checks might cause long-term harm to the sport. Grainne Hurst, a campaigner, called the proposal intrusive, arguing it could drive customers to illegal betting sites. The Gambling Commission’s pilot will determine whether the checks become a permanent feature. If too many bettors refuse to comply, the system may fail before full implementation. Meanwhile, racing and gambling sectors continue to push back, citing financial and operational risks.