Stake limits for online slot games introduced for the first time
in September in landmark moment for regulation of online
gambling
Maximum £2 stake for 18 to 24-year-olds for online slot games to
be introduced
£5 limit for adults aged 25 and over brings stakes in-line with
casinos
Easily accessible online slot games are one of the most addictive
forms of gambling, and can be associated with large losses, long
sessions, and binge play. Unlike land-based gaming machines, such
as in casinos, they have no statutory stake limits.
To counter the increased risk of significant harm and
life-changing losses from online slot games, the Government will
introduce a £5 stake limit for adults aged 25 and over.
Responding to evidence, a lower level stake limit for young
adults aged 18-24 years old will be set at £2 per spin. This age
group has the highest average problem gambling score of any
group, as well as lower disposable income, ongoing neurological
development impacting risk perception and common life stage
factors like managing money for the first time. The evidence also
points to a stronger link between gambling related harm and
suicide among young adults.
The decision follows a 10-week consultation period in which the
majority of respondents agreed with the gambling white paper
proposal to introduce statutory limits for online slot games to
help reduce the risk of gambling harm. Consultation responses
included views from industry, academics, treatment providers and
individuals.
Gambling Minister 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.
Evidence
from the Office for Health Improvement and
Disparities shows that young adults can be particularly
vulnerable to gambling related harm, with under 25s having the
highest average problem gambling score of any age group.
NHS survey
figures also show that there is a problem gambling rate
of 8.7 per cent for online gambling on slots, casino or bingo
games, one of the highest rates across gambling activities.
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 limits will come into force in September this year, following
secondary legislation. There will be a six week transition period
for operators to become compliant with the general £5 stake limit
rules, followed by a further six weeks for the development of any
necessary technical solutions to ensure operators are fully
compliant with the lower stake limit of £2 for young adults aged
18-24.
Although most people gamble without issue, the restrictions
introduced today are just some of the proposals set out in the
Government’s white paper to modernise the gambling sector and
make it fit for the digital age.
This includes the introduction of a statutory levy for
research, prevention and treatment, as well as financial risk
checks designed to prevent catastrophic, life-changing losses.
The Gambling Commission and the Government continue to
listen to concerns from campaigners, the wider public, and both
the gambling and horse racing industries as part of the
consultation process on these checks. The Gambling Commission
continues to refine its approach on the design to achieve the
right balance between protections and freedoms.
As well as introducing measures to protect people from
gambling related harm, the white paper package contains proposals
that will support the land-based gambling industry to thrive. The
industry supports thousands of jobs across the country and the
Government has been clear it does not want to harm its
success.
Responses to the wider white paper measures will be published
soon.
Notes to editors
