YouGov: More than half of Brits oppose blanket affordability checks

A YouGov survey has found the majority of Britons would not be willing to allow gambling companies to carry out blanket affordability checks as the gambling review rumbles on.

The survey, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), found 58% of consumers were against blanket checks which have been called for by some campaigners.

In comparison, 16% of punters would willingly submit themselves to affordability checks, with the review into the Gambling Act 2005 due to be published in the Spring.

The poll also found 59% of consumers believe that industry-wide checks would lead to a “substantial risk” of customers migrating to unlicensed sites in the black market, with a further 51% agreeing an increase in black market use would lead to a rise in problem gambling.

The BGC said it was in favour of enhanced spending checks but noted the focus should be on existing problem gamblers and/or those at risk from gambling-related harm, rather than on the whole population.

Michael Dugher, BGC CEO, said any potential changes in the regulation must take into consideration the majority of customers who bet safely.

He said: “We strongly support the gambling review as a once in a generation opportunity to raise standards and promote safer gambling.

“Ministers have said it will be an evidence-led process, and these findings are a wake-up call showing the potential dangers of introducing blanket affordability checks on anyone who likes a flutter.

“Any changes introduced by the government must be balanced so that they rightly protect the vulnerable while not driving the vast majority who bet safely and responsibly towards the unsafe black market online,” he added.