Thousands of asylum seekers in the UK have used pre-paid Aspen cards—intended for basic needs like food and clothing—to access gambling venues, including casinos, amusement arcades and bookmakers, according to Home Office data released under freedom of information laws.
Up to 6,537 individuals were found to have used the cards at least once in such venues over the past year. The government is now investigating the misuse, amid public and political backlash.
Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, called the figures “an insult to taxpayers,” accusing migrants of abusing state support and calling for stricter controls and removals. Reform UK and local officials have echoed these concerns, warning the scandal may be fuelling a growing gambling industry in migrant-heavy areas.
Aspen cards are issued to around 80,000 asylum seekers who are not allowed to work and are living at public expense, often in hotels. Although the cards are not meant for gambling or online use, loopholes—such as cash withdrawals inside gambling venues—appear to have enabled misuse.
The Home Office has launched a formal inquiry and pledged to strengthen oversight of the system.
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