The UK Gambling Commission has announced new rules for so-called “deposit limits.” These are intended to provide clarity for players and providers. The changes are set to take effect on June 30, 2026, and apply in particular to online providers.
The new rules clearly define which types of limits may be referred to as “deposit limits” and which may not. According to the UK Gambling Commission, only those limits that exclusively cover the actual amounts deposited over a certain period of time may be referred to as such. To protect customers, operators must give their customers the option to set such a limit. Furthermore, this limit must be placed visibly and prominently on the deposit page, and payments must be blocked once the limit is reached.
Although the Commission is introducing this change to encourage users toward better self-control, while still allowing opt-out, these deposit limits are a thorn in the side of some players. By introducing deposit limits, an extra step is added to the gambling process, delaying the start of play. Besides, for players, the payout rate usually weighs more heavily than customer-led tools, which pushes the importance of such deposit limits into the background. Ultimately, the choice comes down to the casino that offers customers the best payout. Gambling expert Matt Bastock explains in his list of UK casinos with the highest return percentages that these are also reputable choices, regardless of the type of casino a player prefers, including non-GamStop casinos – casinos that don’t offer deposit limits. According to Bastock, there are plenty of online casino websites in the UK that offer a higher overall payout rate. This means that players will find game providers and games there that prioritize maximum fairness, without necessarily offering deposit limit tools.
To avoid disruption, particularly for providers, the new regulations will be introduced in stages. The first obligations must be implemented by the end of October 2025. However, the full requirements do not have to be fully met until June 30, 2026. Operators will also be granted transition periods to ensure that technical adjustments, tests, and training can be carried out without falling behind schedule.
Helen Rhodes, Director of Major Policy Projects at the Commission, considers the new regulations a tool that will enable consumers to develop greater awareness of their gambling habits and gain more control over them. “These further changes will also bring consistency and clarity for those consumers choosing to set deposit limits, while still supporting gambling businesses to offer customer choice for different forms of limits,” she said.
The new guidelines require providers to actively encourage their users to set a personal financial limit before making their first deposit. This process of setting financial limits must be made as easy as possible for users to understand. In addition, users must be given the option to view or adjust this limit later on. Players must also be reminded every six months to review their account and transaction data. This is intended to help users keep control of their spending. Financial limits should also be freely entered in the text field at the account level to allow users to set reasonable and individual values. Access to the limit settings must also be clearly visible and accessible with just a few clicks. Finally, it is important to ensure that if a player wishes to reduce their limit, this change is implemented immediately.
These regulations follow the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which recently published that almost half of adults in the UK had participated in some form of gambling in the past four weeks. SiGMA published the report’s findings, according to which 48% of respondents had been active. The survey shows that online games dominate with 38%, compared to 29% for gambling in brick-and-mortar venues. Among lottery-only players, the proportion of online lotteries is particularly high.
Considering the already high gambling participation in the UK, the Commission agreed that the gambling regulations need to be adapted and refined. The industry now anticipates technical and operational adjustments. Nevertheless, experts consider these changes to be positive: clear definitions are necessary to strengthen trust in gambling providers and, in turn, to achieve even greater gambling participation and thus revenue potential.
Gambling statement
Underage gambling is an offence. You must be over 18 years old to gamble.
Any form of gambling should always be fun, playing in a way that is right for you. It’s good to set limits, take time out or set up reminders.
Please gamble responsibly and in moderation.
For more information on the tools available to help to keep you safe or if you want advice or support you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales or visit Gamblingtherapy.org).
