New Casino Stake Limits 2025

Limit To Maximum Online Slots Stakes

The 2023 white paper on the Gambling Act 2005 recommended plenty of changes for the UK Gambling Commission to apply.

After a consultation period, Baroness Twycross announced in February that online slot stakes would be reduced to a maximum of £5 per spin for players, split into two tiers:

A maximum of £5 per spin for players aged 25 years and over
A maximum stake of £2 per spin for players aged 18-24 years

As of April 9th 2025, the restrictions for the £5 maximum stake will apply to all licensed UK casinos, with the £2 stake age restriction being applied on May 21st 2025.

What Does It Mean For Players & Operators?

The Player

In the grand scheme of things, players will not notice a difference, other than the maximum stake allowed, as determined by the player's age and the new Gambling Commission rules.

With registration and proof of identity much stricter these days, there is little that is required of the player, compared to before the changes were made.

The Operators

For operators, the gap between April 9th and May 21st offers a six-week window for them to amend their slot titles accordingly for the initial £5 maximum stake change, with a further six-week period from May 21st to align slot games with the £2 stake rule for 18-24 year olds.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has suggested that the Gross Gambling Yield, which is the money retained after payment of winnings, will be reduced by around £165 million, so operators will be keeping an eye on this, if the losses are of a similar figure.

Author's Opinion

Del Pugh - Betting Offers Expert

I see where the UK Gambling Commission is going in terms of increasing player safety and reducing the risk of sticking £50 on one spin, but will it have the desired effect it is hoping?

Of course, those who find it difficult to avoid large stakes on slots need to be protected, but from my observations of friends and family who have had gambling issues in the past, the reduction in stake will simply see them play longer rather than limit the losses.

In tandem with other legislation, it may well work, but I'm concerned that it will end up being a half-baked change that will only affect players who can handle their stakes and give operators an excuse to make it even harder to beat the house!