UK Gambling Commission to release financial risk evidence

Britain’s gambling regulator will publish the evidence, methodology and full dataset underpinning its controversial Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) later this year following sustained criticism from the betting and racing industries.

Acting Gambling Commission chief executive Sarah Gardner confirmed the timeline in a response to questions from the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee, saying the material would accompany the regulator’s formal consultation response.

The British Horseracing Authority has been among the strongest critics of the reforms, arguing FRAs could deter higher-value bettors and further reduce wagering returns to racing at a time when the sport is already confronting financial pressures.

Gardner said the consultation response had been delayed to allow discussions with implementation groups comprising gambling operators and credit reference agencies to help shape how the assessments will be introduced.

While racing representatives will not be included in those implementation groups, Gardner said the Commission would hold separate meetings with industry stakeholders, with the BHA having already agreed to participate.

The rollout of FRAs comes during a period of leadership change at the Gambling Commission following the departure of former chief executive Andrew Rhodes in April and policy director Tim Miller’s decision to leave the regulator.