Betting and Gaming Council has raised concerns that proposed financial risk checks could impact player behaviour in the igaming sector, following new survey data indicating that a majority of bettors are unwilling to provide personal financial documents.
According to a YouGov poll commissioned by the BGC, 65% of respondents said they would be unwilling to share documents such as bank statements or payslips in order to continue betting. The findings highlight potential friction within the igaming customer journey as regulatory requirements evolve.
The data also aligns with earlier research from the Gambling Commission, which showed significant opposition to financial risk checks among surveyed bettors. That study, based on more than 12,000 respondents, found that 77% opposed such measures, while 14% indicated a willingness to share financial information.
The BGC stated that initial trials of financial risk assessments have raised operational concerns, including inconsistencies in data and unclear outcomes for customers. Industry bodies have suggested that additional verification requirements could affect engagement within regulated igaming environments.
The UK igaming and betting sector involves approximately 22.5 million monthly participants across multiple channels, including online platforms and retail venues. Industry representatives note that the majority of activity occurs within regulated frameworks, where consumer protection tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion are available.
The BGC has indicated that increased friction in regulated igaming processes could influence player behaviour, with some customers potentially seeking alternatives outside licensed markets. The organisation has called for proportionate and targeted approaches to player protection, stating that regulatory measures should balance consumer safeguards with usability within the igaming sector.
The regulated betting and igaming industry in the UK supports over 100,000 jobs and contributes several billion pounds annually in economic output and tax revenue, with ongoing policy discussions focused on maintaining consumer protections while sustaining market participation.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Ministers promised punters frictionless checks, but the Gambling Commission risks pushing ahead with the exact opposite.
“Forcing punters to hand over bank statements isn’t ‘frictionless’, it’s intrusive and will drive customers to the illegal market, where there are no safeguards at all.
“This poll sends a clear message from punters. A majority (65%) are unwilling to provide this kind of sensitive financial information, and the reality is that number could be even higher when these checks are rolled out in practice.
“These proposals will push customers away from the regulated sector and towards the harmful, illegal black market, undermining the very protections these checks are supposed to deliver.”
Hurst added: “The overwhelming majority of customers bet safely and within their means. We should be focusing on protecting the vulnerable, not placing unnecessary hurdles in front of millions of ordinary punters.
“Getting this balance wrong won’t just damage customer trust, it will put people at greater risk and further fuel the growth of the illegal market.”
