The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced that stake limits for online slot games will be introduced for the first time in September of 2024.
In its statement, the department said that the new limits for online slots are:
- Maximum £2 stake for 18 to 24-year-olds
- Maximum £5 stake for adults aged 25 and over
Following a 10-week consultation period, the decision was made in alignment with the majority of feedback received. Stakeholders, including representatives from the industry, academia, treatment providers, and individuals, largely supported the proposal outlined in the gambling white paper. This proposal aims to implement statutory limits for online slot games as a measure to mitigate the potential risks associated with gambling.
According to Evidence from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the 18-24 age group has the highest average problem gambling score of any group. It also has the lowest disposable income. Meanwhile, statistics from NHS surveys reveal that problem gambling related to online activities such as slots, casino games, or bingo stands at 8.7%. This figure represents one of the highest rates observed across gambling segment.
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:
“Although millions of people gamble safely every single day, the evidence shows that there is a significantly higher problem gambling rate for online slot games.
We also know that young adults can be more vulnerable when it comes to gambling related harms, which is why we committed to addressing both of these issues in our white paper.
The growing popularity of online gambling is clear to see, so this announcement will level the playing field with the land-based sector and is the next step in a host of measures being introduced this year that will protect people from gambling harms.”
CEO of GambleAware Zoë Osmond said:
“We welcome the Government’s announcement to introduce lower online stake limits for under 25s as an important mechanism to protect young people. Our research shows a concerning trend with this age group experiencing an increase in harm arising from gambling and online slots are very high-risk products.
As we continue our work to tackle this growing public health issue, we will collaborate with the Government and others across the gambling harms sector to ensure there are no missed opportunities when it comes to the introduction of robust preventative measures, including new regulations such as these.”
The implementation of the limits is scheduled for September of this year, pending secondary legislation. Operators will have a six-week transition period to adhere to the general £5 stake limit regulations. There will be an additional six weeks allocated for the development and implementation of any required technical solutions to ensure full compliance with the reduced £2 stake limit specifically aimed at young adults aged 18-24.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.