UK Gambling Chief Defends Financial Risk Checks at Ethics Forum

Gambling Commission Executive Director Tim Miller used his keynote address at the inaugural Ethical Gambling Forum in Great Britain to mount a robust defence of the regulator's Financial Risk Assessment proposals, countering what he described as "ill informed" and "inaccurate" commentary surrounding the controversial measures.

Speaking on 28 April 2026, Miller revealed new data from the Commission's pilot programme that he argued definitively supports the need for standardised financial risk checks whilst addressing industry concerns about their implementation.

Pilot Data Challenges Critics

The Commission's pilot findings directly contradict earlier government estimates about the scope and impact of Financial Risk Assessments. Where the 2023 White Paper initially projected that 80 percent of assessments would be frictionless, the pilot demonstrated that 97 percent of the 3 percent of active accounts triggering assessments would receive seamless processing.

More significantly, the pilot revealed that only 0.1 percent of all active customer accounts would be unable to complete assessments without friction – a dramatic reduction from the White Paper's 0.6 percent estimate.

"Only one in a 1000 accounts would be unable to receive an assessment in a frictionless way."

— Tim Miller, Executive Director, Gambling Commission

The pilot also uncovered concerning vulnerability patterns among high-spending customers. Consumers in the pilot cohort were between two and four times more likely to have a debt management plan and between two and five times more likely to have experienced a default in the previous 12 months compared to the general population.

Addressing Industry Misconceptions

Miller directly confronted several misconceptions that have dominated recent industry discourse around Financial Risk Assessments. He emphasised that the proposed thresholds represent assessment triggers, not spending limits or caps.

"The proposed thresholds for an assessment are not limits or caps on customer spend. They are not 'affordability checks' by a different name."

— Tim Miller, Executive Director, Gambling Commission

The Executive Director also addressed concerns about document requests, clarifying that successful Financial Risk Assessments would eliminate the need for operators to request financial documentation from consumers.

"If these checks are implemented it will allow us to give clear guidance to operators that they should not require consumers to provide documents to assess financial risk following a financial risk assessment."

— Tim Miller, Executive Director, Gambling Commission

Miller described the current system as fundamentally flawed, noting that expecting operators to assess consumer gambling harm risk has existed since the Gambling Act was passed in 2005, yet still results in inconsistent approaches.

"In 2026 it can't be right that this still leads to some operators asking consumers to share bank statements and other financial documentation. Such an approach is outdated, inconsistent and disproportionate."

— Tim Miller, Executive Director, Gambling Commission

White Paper Implementation Progress

Financial Risk Assessments represent the primary remaining commitment from the Government's gambling review white paper requiring Commission decisions. Miller confirmed that recommendations would be presented to the Commission's Board "in the near future" but cautioned against assumptions about predetermined outcomes.

The Commission has been collaborating with the Steering Committee on Reciprocity (SCOR Committee) to develop streamlined approaches using credit reference data specifically targeted at highest-spending consumers. This partnership aims to replace the current "patchwork of different approaches" operators use to identify customers experiencing financial difficulties.

Gaming Machines Consultation Update

Beyond Financial Risk Assessments, Miller provided updates on the Commission's Gaming Machines consultation response. Key changes take effect from 29 July 2026, requiring operators to immediately remove machines when the Commission identifies non-compliance with technical operating licence requirements or other standards.

Initial consultation information was published at the end of January, with a full response expected during Summer 2026. Miller acknowledged the "potential financial costs of implementing some of the original proposals" would significantly influence final decisions, particularly given the current operating environment.

Illegal Gambling Enforcement Expansion

The Commission received £26 million over three years through the Government's Budget to intensify illegal gambling enforcement activities. Miller, who chairs a subgroup within the Government's illegal gambling taskforce, outlined the Commission's recent enforcement achievements:

• 741 Cease and Desist orders issued to advertisers and operators
• 397,527 URLs reported to search engines with 266,667 removed
• 1,068 websites referred for search engine delisting
• 1,134 websites disrupted through takedowns or geo-blocking

Miller announced plans to publish a national risk assessment on the illegal market to ensure focused attention on primary risks. He also criticised technology companies for reactive approaches to harm prevention, stating the Commission would "become increasingly vocal" in highlighting companies that fail to protect British consumers from illegal operators.

Innovation and Collaboration Framework

Despite recent regulatory focus on consumer protection, Miller emphasised the Commission's commitment to supporting industry innovation. He confirmed ongoing discussions with the Industry Forum about creating pathways for cryptoassets to serve as consumer payment options for licensed gambling in Great Britain.

The Executive Director outlined plans for a strategic review examining the "impact, efficiency and burden of current regulatory requirements" – aligned with Government regulatory reform objectives. However, he noted that specific commitments depend on outcomes from DCMS's fees consultation.

Miller extended an open invitation to operators with consumer-friendly innovation proposals, emphasising that the current statutory framework doesn't automatically preclude new approaches that enhance consumer experience.

International Perspectives and Market Context

The forum attracted attendees from multiple jurisdictions, which Miller welcomed as an opportunity to gain external perspectives on British regulatory approaches. He noted that Britain maintains "one of the largest, licensed gambling markets in the world" but acknowledged the value of learning from international experiences.

Miller recognised the changing landscape following Government taxation changes announced in the previous year's Budget, including risks of consumer migration to illegal markets. This concern directly influenced the additional funding allocation for illegal gambling enforcement.

Business Planning and Resource Allocation

The Commission published its annual Business Plan the week preceding Miller's address, outlining priorities including continued Gambling Act review implementation, enhanced illegal gambling enforcement, improved data maturity, and proactive operator compliance engagement.

Final resource allocation awaits DCMS fees consultation results, which will determine the Commission's capacity for specific initiatives including innovation support programmes.

Regulatory Reform Implications

Miller's address signals a potential shift in the Commission's approach following intensive consumer protection implementations. The emphasis on innovation support and regulatory burden review suggests recognition of industry operational pressures, particularly given current market taxation changes.

The Executive Director's criticism of technology companies' reactive harm prevention approaches indicates the Commission may pursue more assertive strategies in compelling platform compliance with consumer protection obligations. The timeline pressures around Financial Risk Assessment implementation remain significant, with Board decisions imminent and industry implementation planning dependent on regulatory approval. Miller's data presentation appears designed to counter industry resistance whilst maintaining Government policy support for the measures.

According to UK Gambling Commission.