Andrew Rhodes, chief of the Gambling Commission, discusses difficult choices over privacy concerns

Rhodes assured bettors that their personal information would not be passed to bookmakers and claimed that operators would require less information on customers than they currently do. He was speaking to the Racing Post as the Gambling Commission gave more details of the plans for what the government has termed financial risk checks, including the pilot of the tier of enhanced checks, which will start at the end of August. Rhodes emphasized the importance of balancing privacy concerns with the need for protections in the gambling industry.

He explained that the new risk rating system would require less information from customers compared to the current approach. Furthermore, he reassured the public that the pilot would not affect credit records or mortgage eligibility. Additionally, Rhodes mentioned the possibility of incorporating open banking into the solution, but stressed that customers would not be compelled to participate in this.

He emphasized the voluntary nature of the data-sharing options available to customers. The Gambling Commission stated that permanent rules would only be implemented if data-sharing was proven to be smooth for the “vast majority” of customers. Rhodes acknowledged that there may be individuals with limited information available through credit reference agencies and emphasized the need to address the policy questions surrounding this issue.

Rhodes emphasized that the Gambling Commission and the government were committed to transparency and ensuring a frictionless check process for customers. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the commission, industry, and government in deciding next steps if a frictionless solution could not be found. Finally, there is ongoing collaboration between the Betting and Gaming Council and the Gambling Commission to develop a code for anti-money laundering checks, particularly concerning low-risk customers.