Government pressed on Gambling Financial Risk Assessments as ministers defend Gambling Commission plans

The Government has faced Parliamentary scrutiny over the Gambling Commission’s planned introduction of Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs), with Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan tabling a series of written questions on the evidence base, economic impact, timing, data protection and statutory powers underpinning the new checks.

Responding on 8 September 2026, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said FRAs were proposed in the 2023 Gambling White Paper and subsequently subject to consultation and piloting by the Gambling Commission. The department noted that the Commission announced on 7 July 2026 that it would implement the measures in a phased manner, with a full consultation response due to be published in the autumn.

The Government said the Gambling Commission is acting under powers provided by the Gambling Act 2005 and that the assessments are intended to support the licensing objective of protecting children and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm. It added that considerations included customer experience, data protection, impacts on the gambling industry and potential effects on sectors such as horseracing.

Ministers also acknowledged concerns raised by the racing industry regarding the possible impact of FRAs on betting turnover and Horserace Betting Levy receipts. The response stated that both the former Gambling Minister and the Gambling Commission had met representatives of the British Horseracing Authority and wider racing stakeholders to discuss those concerns.