The UK Government will introduce a new £2 maximum stake for under-25s playing online slots in September 2024. The new stakes include lower limits for young adults as the government continues to roll out measures to protect people from gambling-related harm.
New £2 Maximum Stake for Under 25s Playing Online Slots
Stake limits for online slot games were introduced in September 2024 in a landmark moment for the 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, bringing stakes in line with casinos
Online slot games are easily accessible and one of the most addictive forms of gambling that is associated with large losses, long sessions, and binge play. Unlike land-based gaming machines like the ones seen 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, the government will introduce a lower-level £2 maximum stake for under 25s playing online slots. 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 everyday 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 Stuart Andrew said:
“Although millions of people gamble safely every day, the evidence shows 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.”