The UK Gambling Commission has outlined new rules requiring online gambling operators to introduce deposit limits, marking a major step in the government’s gambling reform agenda.
The measures, first announced in February, will be rolled out in phases, starting later this month.
Mandatory Deposit Limits
From June 30, 2026, all online operators must allow customers to set deposit limits based on how much money they pay into their accounts over a chosen period.
The Commission clarified that operators can also provide additional tools such as loss or withdrawal limits, though deposit limits will be mandatory.
October Implementation Deadline
The first stage begins on October 31, requiring new users to set a financial limit before making their first deposit.
Operators must make these tools easy to locate and adjust, while also reminding users every six months to review their limits.
Websites will need to display prominent links to limit-setting options on homepages and deposit screens, with minimal clicks required.
Companies must immediately respond to any customer request to decrease a set limit.
Empowering Consumers
Helen Rhodes, the Commission’s director of major policy projects, said the changes will give players greater control over their spending.
“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,” Rhodes said.
Industry Feedback and Adjustments
The new framework follows months of consultation, which received mixed reactions from operators and consumer groups.
Concerns were raised about mandatory gross deposit limits, prompting the regulator to refine the terminology.
The Commission clarified that only total deposits made during a period can be defined as a “deposit limit.”
Operators must now ensure that if multiple limits are active, the most restrictive timeframe applies.
Reducing Confusion
The regulator also replaced the term “spend limits” with “stake limits” to better reflect gambling behavior and avoid confusion.
It also clarified that “loss limits” represent total stakes minus winnings within a set period, while “net deposit limits” refer to deposits minus withdrawals.
Players who set a deposit limit will not be able to deposit again until the period ends or they opt out after a 24-hour cooling-off period.
The Commission said the changes aim to simplify controls, improve transparency, and ultimately help consumers gamble responsibly.