The regulator has published the final version of its affordability-check guidance, replacing the interim rules that have applied since 2024. From 1 October, bookmakers must run a light financial check when a customer loses £150 in a day or £500 in a month — thresholds that are lower than the industry asked for and higher than campaigners wanted.
What has changed
Two things. The trigger points are now fixed rather than left to each operator’s risk model, and the distinction between a light check and an enhanced one is defined in the guidance itself. Operators previously set their own thresholds, which is why the same customer could be asked for bank statements at one bookmaker and nothing at another.
A light check uses publicly available data only — electoral roll, county court judgments, insolvency records. The customer is not contacted and, in the regulator’s own wording, should not notice it happening. An enhanced check requires the customer’s consent and can request bank data or proof of income.
Two checks, two thresholds
A light check is passive and invisible. An enhanced check requires your consent and can block betting until it is completed. The guidance separates the two for the first time.
The two new thresholds
Both are measured on net loss, not turnover, which matters: a customer who stakes £5,000 and finishes level triggers nothing.
| Trigger | Check | What is requested | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|
| £150 net loss in 24 hours | Light check | Public data only — no documents requested | From 1 October 2026 |
| £500 net loss in 30 days | Light check | Public data only — no documents requested | From 1 October 2026 |
| £1,000 net loss in 24 hours | Enhanced check | Bank or income data, with consent | From 1 February 2027 |
| £2,000 net loss in 90 days | Enhanced check | Bank or income data, with consent | From 1 February 2027 |
When it takes effect
- 1 October 2026. Light checks become mandatory at the £150 and £500 thresholds.
- 1 December 2026. Operators must publish their check process in plain language on the account pages.
- 1 February 2027. Enhanced checks become mandatory at the £1,000 and £2,000 thresholds.
What it means for bettors
- Most recreational bettors will never see a check. The £500-a-month threshold is well above typical recreational loss levels.
- You cannot opt out of a light check, but you will not be asked for anything either.
- An enhanced check can pause withdrawals as well as betting until it clears — plan for that if you bet at those levels.
- Setting your own deposit limit remains the only control that is entirely in your hands.
Effect on welcome offers
None directly. Welcome offers are unaffected by the guidance, though several operators told us they expect to tighten identity verification at signup, which is where most offer disputes already begin. Our advice has not changed: complete verification before you deposit, not after.
The headline is affordability, but the practical change is consistency. The same customer will now be treated the same way at every licensed bookmaker.
Priya Nandakumar, Regulation Correspondent
Industry reaction
The trade body called the fixed thresholds workable while warning about the February tier. Two of the operators in our guide have already published their process ahead of the December deadline; the rest have not responded to our questions. Campaign groups described the thresholds as too high to catch harm early.
Nothing here replaces your own limits
Affordability checks are a backstop, not a budget. Set a deposit limit before your first bet — the tools are in every licensed account and apply immediately.
