UK Bookmakers Losing Interest in Horse Racing Amid Player Income Checks

Tania Levees

25 March 2026

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The introduction of affordability checks is reducing interest among major bookmakers in UK horse racing, Racing Post reported, citing comments from UK Tote Group commercial director Paddy Desmond.

The checks require operators to assess customers’ financial situations and, where necessary, request supporting documents such as proof of income. The measures have been proposed by the UK gambling regulator, with a final decision expected as early as May.

A pilot of the checks began in August 2024, but issues emerged during testing, as different credit reference agencies provided inconsistent data on the same customers.

According to the Betting and Gaming Council, around 120,000 racing bettors could be required to submit financial documents, while up to 96,000 are expected to refuse to comply.

Industry representatives have called on authorities to pause the rollout of the new requirements. The British Horseracing Authority said the measures are already putting pressure on the market.

Regulator data show that online betting on horse racing has fallen by more than 25%.

Desmond said tighter regulation in the UK is prompting bookmakers to shift their focus to other markets, including the United States. He added that operators are also being forced to allocate significant resources to compliance, limiting the development of new products.

^{Paddy Desmond, Commercial Director of UK Tote Group}

He also warned that some players could turn to illegal sites rather than provide personal financial details.

Earlier, Gambling Park reported on a ban on greyhound racing in Scotland.

Tania Levees

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