UKGC updates timeline for new deposit limit rule rollout
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that it will integrate new deposit limit rules, for online casinos and bookies, in two phases. First revealed in February, these measures will initially come into force on 31 October 2025, followed by an updated structure on 30 June.
The regulatory authority expects this dual-banded rule integration to clarify and homogenise payment limits for players. Specifically, the second phase will clearly define what it means to set deposit restrictions.
So, what changes should UK players expect from the UKGC’s imminent changes?
First phase:
Deposit limit changes taking effect from 31 October. The UKGC’s renewed guidelines will debut on 31 October – when operators must prompt customers to set a deposit limit before funding their account for the first time. Further, operators must ensure that players can easily review and alter existing self-limiting restrictions.
Also included in this stage of the phased rollout is a requirement for operators to remind players to review account details and payment information.
Equally pertinent is that, from the date of integration, operators must allow players to modify deposit limits via ‘free text’ fields. Previously, players may have been bound to predetermined fixed figures chosen from a dropdown menu.
Moreover, the UKGC explains that platform-holders must publish “clearly visible and accessible” links to deposit limit settings on the website’s homepage.
And, should a player opt to decrease financial limits, operators are required to apply these reductions immediately.
Second phase:
Blanket definition for ‘deposit limits’ from 30 June 2026. From 30 June 2026, all operators must only use the term ‘deposit limit’ when referring to the amount of money a player transfers to their platform account wallet during a defined period.
This amendment endeavours to alleviate potential confusion regarding the precise definition of deposit limits. As things stand, some operators employ the term for non-deposit-based actions and tools, such as loss limits and spending limits.
In effect, tools unrelated to directly funding a player’s account can no longer legally be associated with ‘deposit limit’ phrasing.
However, operators are not restricted from offering alternative player-limiting facilities – with loss limits, betting restrictions, net spend caps and more still available. These tools must be clearly defined upon presentation.
UKGC Director of Major Policy, Helen Rhodes, commented on how these rules can foster improved understanding and power among players:
“Our work will help empower consumers to have greater awareness and control over their gambling. These further changes will also bring consistency and clarity for those consumers choosing to set deposit limits, while still supporting gambling businesses to offer customer choice for different forms of limits.”
These changes follow a report detailing the results of a commission-led consultation on the definition of deposit limits, in which the body presented its stance on the matter.
The stakeholder-focused survey welcomed voices from across the domestic gaming industry, whose responses helped shape the deployment of this two-pronged deposit limit rule.
