The Commission-led consultation on affordability and intervention, opening on 3 November, is seeking views and feedback from consumers, industry, and other stakeholders regarding stronger requirements on online operators to identify and assist consumers at risk of gambling harm. The consultation includes measures for improved affordability checks and actions for vulnerable consumers.
The consultation has garnered high engagement since its launch, prompting the Commission to extend the deadline for evidence submission by four weeks to 9 February. A spokesperson highlighted the importance of gathering detailed feedback and robust evidence from consumers and stakeholders.
The Commission emphasized that while operators possess the capability to identify customers at risk of harm, evidence suggests that the industry has not adequately utilized this capability to reduce harms. Therefore, the regulator is eager to receive feedback on enhancing these procedures.
The Commission has proposed that operators should be obligated to act upon information indicating a consumer’s potential vulnerability. Additionally, it aims to impose stronger requirements on licensees, including defined affordability assessments at thresholds determined by the regulator. Stakeholder opinions are sought on determining these affordability assessment thresholds, the nature of the checks, and the measures operators should undertake to safeguard consumers after making an assessment.
Although the consultation is open to all stakeholders, the Commission will particularly focus on gathering consumer perspectives. It aims to understand how operators should identify vulnerability and unaffordable gambling, as well as when to take action on behalf of consumers.
Gambling Commission executive director Tim Miller expressed the need for gambling companies to take further action and for the Commission to establish consistent standards. He emphasized the importance of engaging in an open discussion with the gambling industry, consumers, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders to strike a balance between consumer freedom and the implementation of necessary protections against gambling harm.
