Tim Miller, executive director of the Gambling Commission, addressed the ongoing debate regarding Financial Risk Assessments at iGB Live on Wednesday. He highlighted a disconnect between the regulator and the industry while discussing the timeline for policy implementation.
The regulator launched the FRA pilot in August 2024, initially targeting players with net monthly deposits of £500. A second phase in February 2025 lowered this threshold to £150. By May 2025, the Commission reported that 97% of checks during the second half of the pilot were frictionless. Some in the sector initially described the policy as rebranded affordability checks.
Miller noted that data from reference agencies allows for identifying financial distress without disrupting the customer journey.
Implementation Timeline and Industry Feedback
Miller acknowledged significant pushback from the sector, describing the situation as a disconnect. He stated that some stakeholders have lost sight of the policy purpose, which focuses on high-spending customers showing signs of financial distress. The regulator delayed its final decision on full implementation in May.
Miller confirmed he does not yet have a specific date for the rollout, noting that the Commission has faced criticism for both rushing and delaying the policy.
The executive director also addressed the illegal gambling market. He criticized technology companies for failing British consumers by not restricting black market sites and their marketing quickly enough. Miller emphasized that affiliates and B2B suppliers play a significant role in the issue.
He urged operators to perform due diligence on their partners to ensure they have no links to the black market, noting that some companies, such as Entain, are already pioneering this approach.
Miller announced his departure from the Gambling Commission earlier this week. He stated he remains committed to completing several policy changes before leaving and indicated that more information would be available in September.