The number of VIP and high-value gambling customers in the UK has sharply declined by 95% per operator since the implementation of stricter regulations in 2020, according to a new report from the Gambling Commission.
Prior to these reforms, 22 gambling operators reported a combined total of 42,349 VIP customers. By the 2023-2024 period, this figure had fallen dramatically to just 1,616 across 18 operators - representing an average drop from 1,925 VIPs per operator to fewer than 90.
The significant reduction follows the Commission's introduction of tighter rules in October 2020 aimed at curbing risky practices within VIP schemes. These measures included mandatory affordability checks, close monitoring of customer behavior, prohibitions on incentivizing losses, and a minimum age requirement of 25 for participation. Additionally, all VIP programs are now required to be directly overseen by senior executives.
Despite this drop in VIP numbers, the proportion of operators running such schemes has remained relatively stable - 60% in 2024 compared to 55% in 2021 and 67% prior to the new rules.
Revenue from VIP customers has also been affected. Eight operators reported £10.88 million (approximately US$14.59 million) in gross gambling yield (GGY) from VIP accounts in 2023-2024, marking a 51% decrease from the £22.19 million (US$29.77 million) recorded the previous year. Among the 12 operators that provided comprehensive data, VIPs now contribute only 3% of total GGY.
Although the Commission noted no widespread consumer dissatisfaction with the revised VIP schemes, it stated that the segment "remains subdued" compared to pre-2020 levels.
These changes form part of the UK government's broader gambling reforms, as outlined in its Gambling Act review white paper.
Source:
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/07/21/112088-vip-gambler-numbers-collapse-by-95-after-uk-crackdown-new-gambling-commission-report-shows
