Online Gambling Betting Bonuses Restricted By New UKGC Rules
The UK’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed it is bringing in new rules and restrictions around promotions and betting bonuses at online gambling sites.
Gambling promotions in the UK are set to be simplified. © JP Holecka, Unsplash
Key Facts:
- High deposit bonuses are used to attract players to join sites
- The deals often come with wagering restrictions that are very difficult for players to meet and win money from
- UKGC seeks to simplify its rules surrounding betting bonuses
- All of the new changes come into force on 19 December 2025
UKGC said it is banning cross-platform offers, which enable customers to sign up at online betting sites to win free bets and free spins for online slot games.
The body, which is responsible for the regulation of the UK’s gambling industry, cited evidence that found players are more at risk of harm when they gamble on multiple products.
A statement from UKGC said: “There is also the risk that mixed product promotions confuse consumers because of complex terms and conditions.”
“The ban is aimed at reducing harm and boosting fairness and openness.”
All of the new changes that UKGC has announced for online betting bonuses and promotions are set to come into force on 19 December 2025.
Wagering Requirements Changes
Among the other major changes outlined by UKGC is a new limit on the wagering requirements that online betting sites in the UK can set for their promotions.
Wagering requirements mean winnings from deposit bonuses and free spins at online casinos are not available to withdraw as cash immediately.
Instead, players are required to wager through the money a set number of times to unlock the bonus, which means they could come away with no winnings.
It is not uncommon to see wagering requirements as high as 30x or 35x at online betting sites and casinos in the UK.
But UKGC has now announced that it is setting a new limit for wagering requirements at just 10x.
It said: “Capping the wagering requirement to ten decreases the likelihood of harm, reduces complexity, and improves transparency while maintaining consumer choice.”
Clarity And Certainty
Online casino players and betting site users often find the promotions and bonuses on offer difficult to understand.
UKGC executive director for research and policy, Tim Miller, said the new rules and restrictions will have a simplifying impact.
He said: “These changes will better protect consumers from gambling harm and give consumers much better clarity on, and certainty of, offers before they decide to sign up.”
UKGC is also opting to update the structure and wording of its Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 (Rewards and Bonuses) in light of the upcoming changes.
The amendments come after a consultation and are in line with the 2023 White Paper’ High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age’.
Slot stake limits are also coming into force at UK online casinos to help players keep a tighter grip on how much they are spending.
