Experian launches 'first ever' price check for online gaming platforms

Experian has launched the first affordability check for gaming websites, which will assist in ensuring people gamble affordably.

The affordability check can be made at the most appropriate point for customers, such as when there is a change in their account behaviour or specific behaviour may indicate an increased risk.

It is suggested £5.4bn was gambled remotely, mainly online, in the UK in the year to March 2018.

Until now, gaming organisations have been unable to take in to account what people can afford to stake. A modest wager for one customer could be an entire month’s disposable income for another.

Tom Blacksell, managing director of B2B at Experian, said: “Innovative Open Banking services can help the gaming industry to protect its customers from problem gambling.

“People who choose to share data can prove they are gambling at a level they can afford, while gaming companies can meet their responsibilities to keep customers safe.

“Experian is already in discussions with a handful of the biggest gaming companies in the UK, who can see the importance of this affordability check.

“It is one of many new services we are working on to bring the benefits of data sharing to businesses and their customers.”

Once a customer has given their permission, Experian’s Open Banking service allows gaming companies to understand a person’s disposable income, their weekly income and expenditure, and how much they spend with other gambling websites.

Gaming companies may also work with specific customers to assist in setting rules whereby customers only spend what they can afford to, limiting the risk of gambling related harm.