Online Slots Stake Limit Guidance Introduced
Stake limit guidance for online slot games has come into effect this month, following a public consultation two years ago.
In a significant move to enhance player protection and reduce gambling-related harm, the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) carried out a public consultation in the summer of 2023 regarding the introduction of stake limits for online slot games.
Following this consultation, the Government confirmed in 2024 that stake limits would be introduced through new legislation, with different thresholds for different age groups.
These limits were formalised in The Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, a Statutory Instrument (SI) that updates conditions for remote casino operating licences across Great Britain.
Key Stake Limit Changes
From 2025, new rules will regulate the maximum amount a player can stake per game cycle on online slot games. The limits are as follows:
- £5 maximum stake per game cycle for adults aged 25 and over
- £2 maximum stake per game cycle for adults aged 18 to 24
These changes apply exclusively to online slot games and do not affect other types of online casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, or poker.
Definition and Scope of Online Slots
The new rules apply to games classified as “online slots games”, which are defined as:
Reel-based games: Games involving visual representations of spinning reels, where the outcome is determined by the arrangement of images or text.
Played online: Games must be available in a digital format via remote platforms.
A “game cycle” is defined as the duration from the start of a spin to the point when all winnings have been paid or losses concluded.
Conditions Applied to Remote Casino Licences
The updated legislation introduces a new licence condition for all remote casino operators, including those already holding a licence before the regulation comes into effect. Specifically:
No individual may stake more than:
- £2 per game cycle if under 25
- £5 per game cycle if 25 or older
This new condition becomes legally binding from the regulation’s effective date and is subject to transitional provisions outlined in the legislation.
Timing and Transitional Arrangements
To ensure a smooth transition, the implementation of the new stake limits will take place in two stages:
From 9 April 2025: A £5 stake limit will apply to all players aged 18 and above.
From 21 May 2025: The lower £2 stake limit will be introduced specifically for players aged 18 to 24. From this point onward, only players aged 25+ will be allowed to stake up to £5 per game cycle.
Gameplay and Technical Standards
The Gambling Commission had previously set design requirements for online slots under its Remote Technical Standards (RTS), particularly RTS 14D, which remains in force:
- A minimum of 2.5 seconds must elapse between the start of one game cycle and the initiation of another.
- This rule ensures pacing and helps prevent rapid-fire betting.
Online slot games may include multiple cycles, but each must still comply with the stake limits and the 2.5-second interval rule.
Illustrative Scenarios
To clarify how the new stake limits work in practice, the following examples were provided:
Scenario A: A 27-year-old player stakes £5 on a slot. As this is the maximum allowed, no further stakes can be made until the game cycle ends.
Scenario B: A 27-year-old player stakes £2 initially. They may stake up to an additional £3 in the same cycle, provided the total doesn’t exceed £5.
Scenario C: A 19-year-old stakes £2. Since £2 is the maximum allowed for players aged 18–24, no further stakes can be placed during that game cycle.
Scenario D: A 27-year-old stakes £5 and is offered a prize gamble after the initial spin. They accept but lose. As no additional money was staked, this complies with the rules.
Enforcement and Industry Implications
All licensed remote casino operators must comply with these new conditions. Failure to adhere to the updated licence conditions could result in regulatory action, including fines or suspension of operating licences.
The changes reflect the UK Government’s ongoing commitment to safer gambling practices and tailored protections for younger adults, who research suggests may be more vulnerable to gambling-related harm.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.