- Player feedback at OLBG suggests widespread confusion and frustration around casino affordability checks in the UK.
- Many players are unclear on what triggers a check, what casinos can ask for, and what their rights actually are.
- Find out why players should NOT worry about these checks and which operators make the process easiest.
Confusion around affordability checks at UK-licensed casino sites is growing, new research has shown.
Player feedback at OLBG suggests many people still don't fully understand what the checks involve, or what information they are obliged to hand over.
A YouGov poll commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council found 65% of players would refuse to provide bank statements.
My View
Ironically, the UKGC itself has confirmed that casino sites are not required to ask for bank statements in the first place.
UKGC Executive Director Tim Miller made clear that document requests go beyond what the regulator actually mandates.
Some operators have been requesting them anyway, leaving players confused about what they're legally obliged to provide.
The checks use publicly available financial data such as CCJs and bankruptcy notices - not salary or savings information.
| What Players Think Casinos Ask For | What the UKGC Actually Requires |
|---|---|
| Bank statements | ❌ Not required |
| Payslips | ❌ Not required |
| Source of funds explanation | ❌ Not required |
| Background credit data check | ✅ Yes - at £150 net deposits |
| Responsible gambling prompt if flagged | ✅ Yes - for a small minority |
For 95% of players they complete silently in the background, with no interruption and no contact from the casino.
OLBG Casino Expert David Coleman says the frustration is understandable but much of it stems from misinformation and poor operator communication.
He said: "The noise around affordability checks has outrun the reality.
"Most players are worried about something that will never affect them.
"Players deserve straight answers, and if a casino can't explain clearly why it's asking for something, that tells you plenty.
"The offshore migration trend worries me too. Leaving a UKGC-licensed casino over a check you'll almost certainly never notice is a decision players often come to regret."
The offshore migration trend is real, with growing numbers of UK players moving to unregulated sites to avoid checks entirely.
To help players navigate the confusion, OLBG has published a comprehensive new guide on affordability checks.
It rates UK casinos on friction level, communication quality, and how smoothly they handle the process for players.
The guide highlights BetMGM as one of the best casinos in the UK for smooth affordability checks.
You can check them out below.
- No. of slots 2500+
- Payout speed 24 Hours
- Win rate Variable
BetMGM Casino offers 2,500+ casino games including live dealer games and plenty of exclusive slots.
- Huge Casino Game and Slot Selection
- World-Renowned Brand
