UK Gambling Commission shares key data on player restrictions
The Gambling Commission has revealed that 4.31 percent of all active gambling accounts in the UK have some form of restriction placed on them. In total, the Commission analysed data from 14,923,840 active customer accounts. Of these, 643,779 accounts had at least one restriction in place, with some having multiple restrictions applied at the same time.
The figures were shared by Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, and provide new insight into how gambling operators are limiting player activity.
Maximum stake limits most common restriction
The most frequently used restriction by gambling operators was a maximum stake limit. This applied to 2.68 percent of all active accounts, making up 62.17 percent of all restricted accounts. According to the Commission, this is unsurprising as many gambling platforms promote stake limits and, in many cases, offer it as the only restriction available.
One form of this restriction involves setting the maximum stake at £0.00, which effectively prevents the player from placing any bets. This method was applied to 0.83 percent of all accounts and 19.15 percent of restricted ones.
Account closures second on the list
The second-most common restriction was full account closure. This affected of those with restrictions. However, the Commission noted that several operators did not provide full data on account closures, citing “commercial reasons” for withholding this information.
In cases where operators want to prevent further play without fully closing the account, they often use a £0.00 stake limit instead.
Other restrictions include product and market limits
A smaller portion of users experienced restrictions on specific gambling products or markets. These applied to 0.25 percent of all accounts and 5.72 percent of restricted ones.
This kind of restriction limits the ability of players to bet on certain sports, 바카라 games, or events. It is less common but still contributes to the overall approach operators use to manage risk or protect their business interests.
Restricted players more likely to be profitable
The Commission also requested profit and loss data to compare behaviours between restricted and unrestricted accounts. Among all active customers, 25.42 percent were in profit. However, the proportion was higher for restricted accounts, where 46.78 percent of users had made a profit.
Losses were more common among the general player base. Around 72.54 percent of active customers made a loss, compared to 51.29 percent of restricted customers.
Commission notes risks of black-market activity
While restrictions are used by licensed operators to manage risks, the Gambling Commission also warned of unintended consequences. Restrictive practices can lead some customers to open new accounts or turn to unlicensed black market gambling operators.
This trend can create further challenges for regulators, especially when it comes to preventing crime, protecting vulnerable consumers, and maintaining integrity in gambling.
Rhodes highlights importance of transparency
Andrew Rhodes stressed that while commercial decisions around restrictions are legal, operators must be transparent with customers. He pointed out that gambling businesses are not required to offer universal access, provided they do not discriminate based on protected characteristics.
“Being a successful bettor is not a protected characteristic in discrimination law,” Rhodes said.
He concluded by stating that the Commission’s role is not to decide how operators manage their liabilities. However, the regulator is responsible for ensuring that gambling remains fair and open, while also understanding any industry practices that may affect regulation or drive customers to illegal operators.
The Commission also confirmed plans to update its penalty guidelines for gambling companies, aiming to strengthen enforcement measures going forward.
