While British taxpayers are tightening their belts, new figures reveal that thousands of asylum seekers may be spending government support money at gambling venues.
And it’s sparking serious concerns about how public funds are being used—and whether the system meant to help vulnerable people is being misused.
Gambling at the Expense of the Taxpayer
A recent investigation has shown that prepaid Aspen cards—issued by the Home Office to asylum seekers to cover essentials like food, toiletries, and clothes—have been used at casinos, betting shops, and amusement arcades across the UK.
Data shows that more than 6,500 asylum seekers used these cards at least once in gambling venues in the past year.
The information, obtained through freedom of information laws and published by PoliticsHome, reveals that around 125 asylum seekers each week used their cards with merchants linked to gambling.
Shockingly, that number peaked at 227 people in a single week in late November—just as the festive season kicked in.
The System Under Scrutiny
The Aspen cards, designed to support around 80,000 asylum seekers while their claims are being processed, are supposed to cover only the basics.
Those in self-catered housing receive £49.18 per week, with strict limitations on what the funds should be used for.
However, these new findings show some of the money may be ending up in slot machines instead of on the dinner table.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the matter and emphasized their legal responsibility to prevent destitution.
But critics argue that better oversight is urgently needed to stop public funds from being misused.
Politicians Call for Action
The revelations have triggered a political firestorm.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp slammed the misuse of funds, calling it “an insult to taxpayers,” and blamed the current government for losing control over immigration and border enforcement.
Philp pointed out that the UK provides housing and financial aid to those waiting for asylum decisions—many of whom crossed into the UK illegally from countries like France.
“If they have money to gamble, they clearly don’t need public support,” he said.
Gambling Linked to Asylum Hotels
In areas like Peterborough, local officials are raising red flags.
Tory mayor Paul Bristow said the growing number of gambling venues seems to mirror the increase in asylum seekers in the area.
“It’s not unusual to see men who’ve arrived on small boats spending time in these places on weekends,” he noted.
He questioned whether taxpayer support was unintentionally fueling the gambling industry’s growth.
Critics Demand Stronger Enforcement
Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice also weighed in, arguing that this is yet more proof that the Home Office lacks control over the system.
He called it a “slap in the face to hardworking taxpayers who are struggling to get by.”
Currently, Aspen cards can’t be used for contactless or online payments.
But some users are reportedly withdrawing cash from ATMs located inside gambling venues, making it hard to track how exactly the funds are spent.
While technically the cards can’t be used to place direct bets, the loopholes are obvious—and many believe it’s time to close them.
Illegal Work and Side Hustles Add Fuel to the Fire
As the gambling revelations unfold, the Home Office is also facing criticism over asylum seekers allegedly working illegally.
Reports suggest that some are earning side income through delivery gigs with companies like Deliveroo and Just Eat—despite not being legally allowed to work.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has promised a crackdown, saying delivery companies will soon be given information about asylum hotel locations and be told to stop employing people based there.
However, legal experts like Emma Brooksbank from Freeths law firm are skeptical.
She argues that without tighter regulations in the gig economy, illegal workers can easily avoid detection.
Public Backlash Brewing
The controversy comes as frustration grows among residents in communities across the UK.
In towns like Epping, Diss, and Canary Wharf, protests have erupted over the continued use of local hotels to house asylum seekers.
The latest reports are likely to only add fuel to those protests, as many feel the government has lost control of both immigration and public spending.