UKGC clarifies incoming rules on deposit limits

• The UKGC is introducing more details about the incoming deposit and financial limits that operators would be obligated to enforce
• The first set of rules will come into effect on October 31, 2025, with the official full-scale implementation of the measures to take place on June 30, 2026
• Consumers need to be able to set their deposit limits easily and quickly, while casinos also process immediately any requests to decrease financial limits

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) issued an update on Tuesday, clarifying the rules that are designed to help consumers control their gambling habits and achieve a more sustainable and rewarding gaming environment.

Starting on June 30, 2026, all online operators will be required to offer consumers the option to set a deposit limit based on the amount a player deposits into their account, the regulator explained.

UKGC further clarifies on incoming rules on deposit and financial limits

The regulator argues that this is an important change that will impact consumers by providing clear and consistent standards for online operators and thus improving the overall rules around setting financial limits.

Commenting on these incoming changes, UK Gambling Commission Director of Major Policy Projects Helen Rhodes said: "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."

Operators and consumers will be given some leeway, with operators allowed to offer limits around losses and withdrawals.

Casino Guru Head of Casino Research Matej Novota had this to add: "The implementation of genuine deposit limits is a welcome step toward ensuring consumer protection and providing operators with a clear framework for responsible gambling measures. Deposit limits act as a great equalizer — they help standardize safeguards across the industry, prevent misuse by licensed operators, and contribute to a more resilient market. While this measure doesn’t fully address the broader challenges posed by the offshore market, it represents a meaningful and impactful step forward, strengthening player protection in an industry-friendly way."

To avoid overwhelming licensed operators and make the process smoother for everyone, the UKGC is phasing in the changes, with the first big update to the financial limits rules coming into effect on October 31, 2025.

Starting from the end of the month, consumers will have the opportunity to set a financial limit before they have even made their first deposit. Operators would be obligated to issue reminders to their customers, asking them to review their account and transaction information.

Operators need to act quickly in enforcing the new rules

This move intends to strengthen consumer safeguards a step further by offering players the opportunity to better understand their gambling habits and spending. Operators will also be required to offer "financial limits using free text at an account level to help customers set meaningful limits."

Financial limit settings should also be clearly visible and accessible via a link on the home and cashier pages. Operators must also have an immediate readiness to act in those cases where customers are asking to have their limits reduced.

"I’m particularly pleased to see that under the new rules, reductions to financial limits will take effect immediately. This has long been the standard among the best casinos in the Casino Guru database, yet some operators have taken some time to implement what can be a crucial safeguard," Novota also added.

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