UK Gambling Commission Pledges Autumn Release of FRA Evidence and Data

The Gambling Commission has committed to publishing the full dataset, underlying evidence, and methodology behind its decision to introduce Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) this autumn. Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner made the pledge in an official response to questions from the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which had pressed the regulator to address industry concerns over the phased rollout.

The gambling sector has repeatedly criticised the Commission for proceeding with FRAs without first releasing the evidence base in full. Gardner explained that the delay stemmed from the regulator’s implementation timetable, which includes summer consultations with implementation groups composed of gambling operators and credit reference agencies. These discussions are designed to inform the Commission’s final FRA consultation response.

“We plan to issue the consultation response in the Autumn which will set out this information, consistent with our usual practice of explaining our decisions in full,” Gardner told the Committee. She added that withholding the response until after stakeholder discussions ensures the final decisions are well-informed.

Meanwhile, racing industry bodies such as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have voiced strong opposition to FRAs, fearing they will drive away high-value punters and cut off a vital revenue stream at a time when horse racing is already navigating financial pressure from UK tax changes on betting partners. The BHA and other racing stakeholders are not part of the implementation groups, which are reserved for parties directly involved in conducting FRAs.

However, Gardner confirmed that the Commission will hold separate individual meetings with racing representatives to deepen engagement. She noted that the BHA has already agreed to such a meeting. “Recognising the symbiotic relationship between racing and betting, and our shared interests on a range of issues such as integrity and tackling illegal gambling, we remain committed to constructive engagement with racing stakeholders,” Gardner said.

The FRA rollout occurs against a backdrop of leadership turnover at the Gambling Commission. Former CEO Andrew Rhodes departed in April and has since taken on a consultancy role, while Policy Director Tim Miller also handed in his notice earlier this year.