Gambling Commission CEO Defends Affordability Checks in IAGR Speech

In a recent speech at the International Association of Gambling Regulators (IAGR), Andrew Rhodes, the CEO of the Gambling Commission, fervently defended the use of affordability checks in the gambling industry. These checks, often referred to as financial risk checks, have been at the center of a heated debate regarding the government's approach to gambling reform.

Rhodes acknowledged the controversies surrounding these checks, attributing them to the complexities of the issues involved and, in some instances, to deliberate misinformation designed to undermine the implementation of government policies. He stressed the importance of clarity and informed discussion.

The Gambling Commission is actively seeking feedback on the implementation of affordability checks as part of new codes in the Customer Interaction of the LCCP. The consultation period is set to conclude soon, with the Commission having already received 2,100 responses.

Andrew Rhodes also provided an update on the Gambling Commission's ongoing efforts to combat the illegal gambling market. He reiterated his position that the risk of the illegal segment in the UK is somewhat overstated but not non-existent. The Commission has been working proactively to engage with payment providers and financial institutions and collaborate with internet search and service providers to de-list illegal operators and geoblock their websites.

Furthermore, the Commission has partnered with social media firms to remove posts promoting unlicensed offerings and worked closely with igaming suppliers to prevent access to black market sites. The regulator has also been engaging with its licensees to discourage their affiliates from associating with unlicensed sites.

Rhodes highlighted the impact of these efforts, citing a 500% increase in enforcement actions during 2021-22 and 2022-23, along with more than double the number of disruption outcomes. The Commission is actively identifying high-traffic sites and restricting access to them in the UK, whether through hosting or geoblocking.

Between May and July this year, four of the top 10 illegal domains saw restrictions, and there was a 46% reduction in traffic to the largest illegal sites. However, Rhodes emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance, recognizing the challenge of "phoenixing" – where new, related websites appear after takedowns – and the need for continuous adaptation and improvement.