UK Gambling Commission implements significant changes to online gambling rules
THE UK’s Gambling Commission has unveiled significant changes to its online gambling rules, including enhanced financial checks for high-spending players set to take effect from January 2025.
From September 2024, online operators have been required to conduct light-touch checks on players depositing over £500 monthly. However, by February 2025, this threshold will drop to £150.
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Additionally, the Commission is piloting a six-month trial to improve financial vulnerability checks, particularly for high-spending accounts.
The trial will explore partnerships between credit reference agencies and gambling businesses to strike a balance between consumer protection and player autonomy.
The new rules also target the design of online gambling games, aiming to reduce their speed and intensity.
These changes, effective from 17 January 2025, focus on curbing excessive play, especially in slot games, but do not extend to peer-to-peer poker.
Operators will need to adopt several restrictions, including:
- Banning autoplay features and tools that accelerate game outcomes.
- Removing game elements like ‘turbo’ buttons or ‘slam stops’ that give a false sense of control.
- Setting a minimum spin time of five seconds for casino games.
- Prohibiting celebratory visual or audio effects for wins equal to or less than the stake.
Operators must now allow customers to opt into marketing for specific products and select their preferred communication methods. From January 2025, sending marketing messages to customers without explicit consent will be banned.
Age verification checks in physical gambling venues are also being strengthened. Starting 30 August 2024, staff will be required to verify the age of anyone appearing under 25, up from the current threshold of 21.
Complementing these regulatory updates, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has introduced a voluntary code to manage customer checks until the new financial vulnerability assessments are fully implemented. Under this code:
- Operators will assess for signs of harm if a customer deposits more than £5,000 in a month.
- Deposits exceeding £25,000 within 12 months will trigger detailed checks.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk