This means that the ICO has approved the implementation of affordability checks for gambling operators. These checks require operators to obtain certain financial details from punters before allowing them to place bets. Affordability checks were a controversial measure outlined in the Gambling Act Review white paper. In a letter to UK Finance, Stephen Almond, executive director, regulatory risk at the ICO, stated that sharing data in this way does not violate GDPR, as long as the information is transparently shared and limited to what is necessary.
Almond also emphasized the importance of credit reference agencies conducting a data protection impact assessment before processing personal information. He expressed the ICO’s interest in the finance sector sharing data to prevent problem gambling and its detrimental effects on individuals’ finances, relationships, and health.
On the same day, the ICO’s support for finance data sharing helped progress two consumer protection initiatives by the GB Gambling Commission: financial risk assessments and the single customer view (SCV). The SCV aims to share spending data between businesses to address gambling harm. The ICO previously supported the development of SCV in 2021 in response to a consultation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Helen Rhodes, director of major policy projects and evaluation at the Commission, highlighted that while there is support for sharing certain financial information with operators, there are no proposals to share gambling data with credit reference agencies or the financial sector. She praised the ICO’s support as an important step in the overall implementation process and upcoming white paper consultations scheduled for this summer.
