DCMS has confirmed new regulations for online gambling, including stake limits for online slot games. Starting at the end of November, stakes will be capped at £5 for players aged 25 and over, and £2 for young adults aged 18-24, as outlined in the government’s gambling White Paper.

These limits mark a significant shift in UK gambling rules, aiming to better protect vulnerable players. Operators were given an initial six weeks to adapt, followed by another six weeks to implement technical measures ensuring compliance with the £2 limit for younger players.

DCMS emphasized that the changes are critical to safeguarding players. “Technological developments in recent years have dramatically changed the way people gamble,” the department said. “Gambling has shifted from betting shops and casinos to online platforms, enabling play anywhere, anytime, on mobile devices, and leading to a significant rise in online gambling behaviour.”

Beyond stake limits, the government is introducing a statutory levy to fund research, education, and treatment (RET) of gambling-related harms. The levy is expected to generate £100 million annually to support problem gambling prevention and treatment initiatives.

The levy rates, based on Gross Gambling Yield (GGY), are as follows:

• 1.1% for all online operators and software licences
• 0.5% for land-based casinos and betting
• 0.2% for on-course bookmakers, Adult Gaming Centres, and land-based bingo
• 0.1% for Family Entertainment Centres, pool betting licences, and all machine technical licences

Operators with gross profits under £500,000 are exempt. The government plans to review the levy system within five years, with the first formal review expected by 2030.

DCMS Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross highlighted the importance of these measures: “The introduction of the first legally mandated levy will be instrumental in supporting research, raising awareness, and reducing the stigma around gambling-related harm. We are also helping to protect those at risk, with a particular focus on young adults, by introducing stake limits for online slots. These measures will help build an NHS fit for our future and strengthen protections, while also allowing people to continue to gamble safely.”

Minister for Health Andrew Gwynne echoed this sentiment, stating: “Tackling gambling harm is a crucial part of our commitment to support people to live longer, healthier lives. This levy will provide an important funding boost for the NHS, while also enabling independent research and more effective prevention initiatives.”

Allocation of Funds

The RET levy will position the NHS as the primary commissioner of services for gambling harm. Funds will be allocated as follows:

• 50% to NHS England and equivalents in Scotland and Wales for treatment systems, recovery programs, and aftercare.
• 30% for public health campaigns and training frontline workers to prevent gambling-related harm.
• 20% to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for a dedicated Research Programme on Gambling.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), expressed support for the reforms but cautioned against losing perspective: “The BGC supported plans outlined in the White Paper to reform stake limits and introduce a mandatory levy to fund research, prevention, and treatment. BGC members have already voluntarily contributed over £170 million over the last four years to tackle problem gambling, including £50 million this year alone.”

She added: “Ministers must not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month—whether on the lottery, in bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls, or online—do so safely. The tone of this announcement suggests the Government is at risk of losing perspective, while simply dancing to the tune of anti-gambling prohibitionists, which serves no one.”

https://lotterydaily.com/2024/11/27/highlighted/ret-dcms-stake-limits/