Tighter controls and age checks alter UK gambling through newly proposed financial limits

03 November 2026

The Gambling Commission is finalizing a range of new safeguards to protect consumers against gambling harm, as the UK Government continues to implement reforms following last year's landmark review.

In May, the regulator proposed new loss and financial limits that customers must set on remote gambling sites. Under these rules, players would have to designate loss and deposit limits on each of their accounts — a more uniform approach than previous guidance, which allowed operators to decide what types of spending limits to offer.

The Commission is also consulting on whether to lower these thresholds for 18- to 24-year-olds, who research shows are more vulnerable to gambling harm than older adults.

The stakes being set are significant. Last month, the Government consulted on a maximum online slot stake of £2 to £15 per spin, citing evidence that slots are a higher-risk gambling product. If implemented, this could mark a turning point in online gambling.

Behind the tighter controls are the real-life cases of harm that prompted government action in 2023. Earlier this year, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport outlined its proposals, including moderate-level financial checks for customers losing £125 a month or £500 a year. Net losses of £1,000 in 24 hours or £2,000 in 90 days, however, would trigger more intrusive checks, including salary verification.

These thresholds, as always, apply to losses on gambling sites. As per Commission guidelines, 'loss' means the amount staked minus any winnings. The White Paper proposed wholesale changes to the financial limits offered by remote gambling operators. Under the current system, customers must be prompted to set a limit on registration or during their first deposit. But new customers will soon have to select a net spending amount before making their first wager.

This change is due in October, alongside other rules requiring gamblers to review and update their spending limits every six months. Gross deposit limits became mandatory in June 2022, ahead of most other measures to control gambling deposits or spending.

Additional protections for vulnerable players

Additional protections are being added for businesses that sell gambling products, extending existing age verification practices. The commission has already ruled that staff should conduct rigorous checks for under-25s, rather than relying on superficial verification.

Operators are being prepared for financial vulnerability checks to assess if some players should be offered extra protections. This is part of a multi-phase launch, allowing the industry to adapt to the new protocols.

The regulations governing age and financial checks are more nuanced than in the past. By implementing the moderate-spend and net-loss thresholds outlined in the White Paper, the Commission now checks more operators than ever before. This contrasts with the pre-2018 system where operators selected their own limits.

These changes reflect a strategic approach to risk management, guided by research into gambling harm. A 2024 Commission report noted limited evidence for the effectiveness of progressive checks. Previously described as 'friction' tools, these checks were often poorly implemented across smaller operators.

Previous systems allowed consumers to set their own financial caps, but the lack of standardized thresholds raised concerns among advocates. The Gambling Commission maintains that the new system provides more transparent spending measures over longer periods.

The changes represent a transformation in customer protection. After 2028, high-stakes players will need to verify their source of funds and receive real-time spending updates. The measures are being introduced gradually, creating opportunities for the evolving UK gambling market.

The final changes will implement lower thresholds for 18- to 24-year-olds following further consultation. While media reports cite problem gambling rates among young adults, the Commission's approach is clear: customers aged 18-24 will face stricter spending controls than older players, including withdrawal restrictions.