UK plans £2 stake limit on online slots to curb gambling addiction risks
The UK government is reviewing plans to cut online slot stake limits to £2 per spin. The move follows concerns over rising gambling losses and addiction risks. Despite this, the industry’s financial stability is expected to remain intact.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has recommended capping online slot stakes at £2. This advice comes as part of broader efforts to reduce unsustainable losses. Slot players in the UK currently spend an average of £67 per month, higher than users of other betting products.
Online slot revenues have surged since 2016, more than doubling to £3.2 billion in 2023. These games now account for nearly 30% of the gambling industry’s total income, up from 23% before the pandemic. The sector’s overall revenue also hit a record £15.1 billion in the year ending March 2023.
Around 1.3 million adults in Britain—2.5% of the population—may be struggling with gambling-related issues. High-risk products, including online slots, have driven much of the industry’s recent growth. Lawmakers are now pushing to finalise new gambling news before the 2024 elections.
The proposed £2 stake limit aims to curb excessive losses while keeping the industry viable. Online slots remain a major revenue source, but regulators are prioritising player protection. Final decisions on the new rules are expected ahead of next year’s general election.
