The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has unveiled a set of regulatory changes aimed at enhancing consumer protection, particularly regarding deposit limits and the transparency of player funds. These new rules, scheduled to take effect from 31 October 2025, are designed to provide players with greater control over their gambling activities while ensuring clearer financial safeguards.
Mandatory Deposit Limit Prompts for First-Time Players
A key component of the UKGC’s latest measures is a new requirement for gambling operators to prompt first-time depositors to set financial limits before making their initial deposit. While some companies have voluntarily implemented similar restrictions, this rule will ensure that the practice is adopted universally across the industry.
Once a limit is set, players will have the flexibility to review and adjust their deposit caps at any time. Additionally, operators will be obligated to remind customers every six months to evaluate their financial limits and overall gambling expenditure. This initiative is expected to reinforce responsible gambling by helping users make informed decisions about their spending.
In response to previous concerns about inconsistent deposit limit policies across different operators, the UKGC also announced plans for a supplementary consultation to improve clarity and consistency regarding financial limits.
Enhanced Transparency in Player Fund Protection
The new regulations will also require greater disclosure of how operators handle player funds. Currently, gambling companies are obliged to outline in their terms and conditions whether customer balances are protected in case of insolvency. However, under the updated rules, this information must be clearly presented at the point of the first deposit and classified under one of four categories:
- Not protected – no segregation
- Not protected – segregation of customer funds
- Medium protection
- High protection
Moreover, from 31 October 2025, operators that do not provide financial protection for player funds will be required to remind customers every six months that their funds remain unprotected in the event of business failure.
Although gambling businesses are not legally mandated to safeguard player deposits, the UKGC noted that many voluntarily choose to do so. These changes aim to ensure full transparency, enabling players to make informed choices about where they gamble.
Changes Related to the Statutory Levy Implementation
In addition to consumer protections, the UKGC has addressed industry concerns regarding the statutory levy introduced in November 2024. Under this system, licensed gambling operators will be required to contribute between 0.1% and 1.1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY), with rates determined by factors such as the type of gambling services offered, sector risk, and operational costs.
As part of this transition, the UKGC will eliminate the current requirement for operators to make annual financial contributions to research, prevention, and treatment organizations. This adjustment ensures that all funding is streamlined through the statutory levy, avoiding redundant financial obligations for operators.
UKGC’s Commitment to a Fair and Transparent Gambling Industry
Commenting on these regulatory updates, Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the UKGC, stated:
“These changes illustrate our commitment to ensuring gambling is fair and open by improving consumer empowerment and choice.”
He further emphasized that the new rules will enable players to better manage their spending, track their gambling habits, and understand how their funds are protected:
“These changes will help consumers decide on deposit limits, enable them to keep track of their spending, and ensure they are fully aware of what happens to their funds should an operator become insolvent.”
The UKGC has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the regulatory measures outlined in the 2023 Gambling Act White Paper, ensuring that Britain’s gambling industry remains transparent, consumer-focused, and accountable.
Source:
UKGC Enforces New Consumer Protections and Deposit Limits, lcb.org, 4 February 2025.