FAQs
GamScore is an app offering a factual insight tool designed to help bettors understand their own betting and gambling spend habits by presenting clear summaries of their historical financial activity.
What is a GamScore?
The score is designed to be an indicator of betting health. The score will be generated initially from the user’s banking data.
A good score will be dependent on;
- A balance between discretionary income and betting spend
- Setting and sustaining an appropriate betting budget
- Consistency of betting behaviours
- Engagement with app content
How does GamScore use Open Banking?
GamScore uses Open Banking to give the user an indication of their betting health.
By analysing deposit and withdrawal information across multiple operators, it gives users an overview of their total betting P&L.
It can analyse users’ income and spending to help calculate disposable income and help users set safe budgets.
Will users need Open Banking to use the app?
Users will get more out of the app if they do.
Open Banking technology is used by numerous products and services already trusted by millions of consumers across banking, payments and financial services (16.5m UK users)
GamScore will use this same methodology to provide insight to a user’s activity. Without Open Banking that insight will not possible, but the app’s information resources will still be available.
Will users need to provide access to all accounts to get all the features?
If users only provide partial information, they will only get partial insight e.g. identifying disposable income to generate a score or recommend a budget.
Will operators see how many betting accounts I have?
No.
How is customer data protected?
GamScore will be FCA registered and be compliant with the same data protections used for online banking.
Key protections include:
- Customer consent requirements
- Encrypted data transmission
- Secure regulated APIs
- Strong authentication processes
- Strict access controls
- Regulatory oversight
- Data minimisation principles
GamScore does not have access to any online banking passwords or login credentials.
What is the issue with the black market for consumers?
One of the reasons cited by many, for consumers to move to the black market, is frustration with repeated checks and friction across multiple licensed operators.
The growth of the gambling black market is a serious concern for both consumers and regulators.
The risks of engaging with black market operators are as follows.
- Financial Loss and Fraud – unfair gaming practices, low return to player rates and blocked withdrawals are all regular occurrences on black market sites
- Lack of Consumer Protection – responsible gaming tools, secure payment systems or appropriate dispute resolution schemes are all non-existent and targeting of vulnerable customers is commonplace, including minors
- Money Laundering and Crime – proceeds of crime are often cleaned through black market operators and consumers can inadvertently become involved if source of funds are requested
- Identity Theft and Data Protection – serious data protection concerns, with high risk of identity theft and personal information being shared, misused or sold
Who is GamScore aimed at?
GamScore is designed primarily for everyday bettors who want:
- A clearer understanding of their betting habits
- More control over gambling spend
- Better visibility across multiple betting accounts
It is not designed to stop people gambling. It is designed to help people gamble more safely and with better information.
How often does GamScore update?
GamScore updates 4 time a day. Regular updates help provide users with a more accurate and up-to-date picture of financial and gambling activity.
This benefits users because:
- Insights are more accurate
- Changes in behaviour can be identified earlier
- Spending patterns remain current
- Consumers receive more relevant information
Is pulling data multiple times per day standard in Open Banking?
Frequent data refreshes are common across many Open Banking applications and financial services.
Who else uses Open Banking?
Open Banking is already widely used across financial services.
- Monzo and Starling Bank for account aggregation and financial management
- Revolut for payments and connected banking services
- ClearScore and Credit Karma for credit insights and financial products
- Plum and Moneybox for automated saving and budgeting tools
- Snoop and Emma for budgeting and spend tracking
Mortgage brokers and lenders using Open Banking for income and affordability verification
What is the adoption rate of Open Banking?
Open Banking adoption in the UK has grown rapidly.
Millions of consumers and small businesses now use Open Banking-enabled services. Usage continues to increase year-on-year across banking, lending, payments and financial management.
The technology has moved from an emerging innovation to a mainstream part of financial infrastructure.
What are Open Banking take-up rates across different groups?
Open Banking adoption tends to be strongest among:
- Digitally engaged consumers
- Younger demographics
- Users already comfortable with fintech apps
- Consumers seeking convenience and automation
Can I control or revoke access?
Consumers remain completely in control of their permissions and can revoke access at any time.
Any permission given will last for a maximum of three months so will not persist if a user becomes dormant.
How much will GamScore cost?
The aim is to make the app free for users, but this will require support from either the betting industry or changes to the betting levy funding rules.