The British Government has announced plans to cap online slots spins at £5 per spin, addressing growing concerns about gambling addiction in the UK.

The move, announced on Wednesday, will implement differentiated spin limits based on age: £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over, and £2 per spin for 18 to 24-year-olds.

This initiative is part of a broader reform package led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross, which also includes a mandatory levy on gambling companies to fund addiction treatment programs.

The reforms respond to the rapid technological advancements that have transformed gambling habits in the UK, with mobile devices now driving gambling revenue and replacing traditional venues like bingo halls, betting shops, and seaside arcades.

Protecting vulnerable demographics, particularly younger players, is a central aim of the new measures, as they are viewed to be at heightened risk from the rapid technological advancements that have transformed gambling habits.

Baroness Twycross emphasized this point, stating, “We are helping to protect those at risk, with a particular focus on young adults, by introducing stake limits for online slots.“

We are helping to protect those at risk, with a particular focus on young adults, by introducing stake limits for online slots.

–Baroness Twycross, Gambling Minister

She added, “These measures will help build an NHS fit for our future and strengthen protections whilst also allowing people to continue to gamble safely.“

Supporting the initiative, Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, National Clinical Advisor on Gambling Harms at NHS England, highlighted the broader impact of gambling addiction.

“We know that 2.5% of the population are gambling in a severe and harmful way,” she said, “but many more are affected, whether family members or gamblers already experiencing negative consequences but below the clinical threshold.“

Never chase losses

Always set limits

Take regular breaks

Responsible Gambling

UK Gambling Industry Responds to the Changes

The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), the UK’s leading gambling industry body, expressed measured support for the reforms but cautioned against “dancing to the tune of anti-gambling prohibitionists.”

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst stated, “We supported the plans outlined in the White Paper to reform stake limits and introduce a mandatory levy for research, prevention, and treatment.”

However, Hurst warned, “Ministers must not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month do so safely. The latest NHS Health Survey for England estimates that just 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.“

Ministers must not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month do so safely.

– Grainne Hurst, CEO of BGC

The contrast between this 0.4% figure and the 2.5% cited by Professor Bowden-Jones highlights challenges in defining and measuring problem gambling.

Despite these complexities, Hurst emphasized the industry’s proactive contributions, noting that BGC members have voluntarily allocated over £170 million in the past four years to address gambling-related harm.

Both the mandatory levy and the online slots stake caps are slated to take effect in early 2025, with online casinos receiving a grace period to comply.

What Do the Changes Mean for UK Slots Players?

For most UK slots players, the impact of the government’s new changes will be minimal, as the majority already play well below the £5 per spin threshold.

However, the new measures are designed to set limits for those struggling to control their spending, primarily targeting high-stakes gamblers who risk spiraling into addiction.

Furthermore, funds raised through the gambling levy will be allocated to support free gambling addiction services through the NHS, benefiting those in need.

This move also reflects the growing trend of tighter government regulation in the UK gambling sector, with a clear indication that more taxes and stricter oversight on gambling companies could be on the horizon in 2025.

Problem Gambling Advice & Support

From November 18th to 24th, the UK and Europe came together for Safer Gambling Week 2024, a crucial cross-continental initiative aimed at promoting awareness and education around responsible gambling practices.

The week showcased a variety of responsible gambling tools and support services, including those available in the UK, such as:

The National Gambling Helpline available on 0808 8020 133

Gamstop, a site where players can be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites – www.gamstop.co.uk

GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

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