Safer Spinning: UK Govt Caps Online Slot Stakes to Protect Players
Are the days of devastating, life-changing losses from sky-high stakes on online slot games coming to an end? In a bid to minimise harm and keep the gaming experience enjoyable, the UK Government is implementing stake limits of £2 for under-25s and £5 for those over 25 with effect from September 2024.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is looking to minimise the potential for significant harm (both financial and emotional) associated with online slots. Let’s take a closer look.
Protecting the Next Generation of Slots Fans
Playing within your means and knowing how and when to stop is the crux of an enjoyable gaming experience. But there’s a darker side to online slot games for some – their addictive nature.
Which is why the government is taking steps to safeguard young adults, the demographic with the highest average problem gambling score of any age group. By addressing the vulnerabilities of this age group and limiting stakes, the government is aiming to ensure that playing online slots doesn’t come at a damaging price.
On the need for new measure, Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew states:
“Although millions of people gamble safely every single day, the evidence shows that there is a significantly higher problem gambling rate for online slot games […] so this announcement will level the playing field with the land-based sector and is the next step in a host of measures being introduced this year that will protect people from gambling harms.”
Currently, there’s no stake limit per spin on online slots. However, since 2019, a £2 limit has applied to fixed-odds betting terminals in betting shops, aligning with land-based fruit machines. See our expert picks for UK casino sites for trusted gaming options!
Welcoming Safer Spins
Gambling charity GambleAware, which works to reduce harm and improve players’ well-being, accepts the lower stake limits, with chief exec Zoe Osmond sharing:
“Our research shows a concerning trend with this age group experiencing an increase in harm arising from gambling and online slots are very high-risk products.
“We welcome the Government’s announcement to introduce lower online stake limits for under-25s as an important mechanism to protect young people.”
But Could More Be Done?
To some, these new regulations don’t go far enough.
“The £2 limit for under-25s is a step in the right direction, but £5 for over-25s is another missed opportunity to stop the harm to millions and the devastation caused by gambling suicides.” says Charles Ritchie, co-founder of Gambling with Lives, who goes on to suggest changes to online slot games’ functionality such as slower spin speeds.
Ready, Set, Spin!
So what will the future hold for online slot enthusiasts? Will we still see big wins, like the player who scooped a €3.7 million Wowpot! Jackpot? With the new stake limits due in September, players will soon find themselves navigating a new world of online slots sites.
While Safeplay Tools offer support, stake limits could prove crucial for encouraging healthy gaming habits. We say – any steps that foster a safe environment for players, ensuring happy playing and prioritising well-being, gets a thumbs up.
The National Bingo Game clearly doesn’t care about omens because, despite it being Friday the 13th, they have just launched a new jackpot. To celebrate the launch, they’ve also released new research into the quirky habits and traditions of bingo fans across the country. A quick heads-up: Whether you’re wearing your lucky socks or sitting in your “magic” chair, remember that bingo is a game of pure chance. We love…
Charlie Shakespeare is on his travels again (he doesn’t sit still for a minute, does he!). This time, Charles is in the big smoke to uncover the magic of the famous venue: the Hippodrome. Opened over 120 years ago, the Hippodrome has been everything from an arena with a 100,000-gallon water tank sunk into the floor to where escapologist Harry Houdini performed in 1904, and a Peter Stringfellow-run club. Now, father…
UK romantics are officially ditching roses, chocolates, and teddy bears in favour of experiences and memories. According to recent survey data, a massive 70.9% of Brits now prefer a shared experience over a physical gift. But, the survey of over 500 UK residents also revealed that nearly 64% of people agree that spending money isn’t a valid measurement of love. From fancy dinners to high-energy bingo raves, the focus has…
Some nights are made for slippers and snacks. Others call for being ‘out out’ with your mates, singing along to 90s pop songs, holding an inflatable unicorn you just won in a twerk off. But on the most romantic night of the year are you in the cosy night in or the party night out camp? Here’s how your Valentine’s style shapes your bingo, casino or bingo party options. Meanwhile, In Other News:…
Grab your dabbers bingo fans, the WhichBingo Awards 2026 are officially on the horizon. Now in our 13th year, the WhichBingo Awards are all about recognising the sites, games, venues, and people that players love. Winners are chosen through a mix of player votes, editorial insight, and expert opinion. From the bingo sites you keep coming back to, to the chat teams that make every session more fun, this is your chance to have your…
Your chances of walking away with real cash from a casino bonus are set to improve significantly. New UK regulations are putting an end to unfairly high wagering requirements. From 19th January all casino sites must adhere to a 10x maximum wagering cap on bonus offers, following a landmark ruling by the Gambling Commission. Editor’s Note: Though your ability to convert bonus into real cash is improving, gambling is still…
Kenny Rogers was right. “If you’re gonna play the game, you gotta learn to play it right”. It’s Safer Gambling Week so we’re taking you back to school to teach you how your brain tricks you when you gamble – and what you can do to play smarter (and safer). 3. The Gambler’s fallacy Perhaps one of the best known terms in gambling. The gambler’s fallacy is the mistaken belief…
Anyone accessing gambling sites or visiting gambling venues this week will see traditional marketing taken down in favour of Safer Gambling posters, but does anyone actually notice – and more importantly does anyone actually care? conversations we are often reluctant to have From every angle I believe strongly that Safer Gambling Week is a vitally important campaign designed to raise awareness of safer gambling and to open up conversations that…
Grab your dabbers bingo fans, the WhichBingo Awards 2026 are officially on the horizon. Now in our 13th year, the WhichBingo Awards are all about recognising the sites, games, venues, and people that players love. Winners are chosen through a mix of player votes, editorial insight, and expert opinion. From the bingo sites you keep coming back to, to the chat teams that make every session more fun, this is your chance to have your…
Your chances of walking away with real cash from a casino bonus are set to improve significantly. New UK regulations are putting an end to unfairly high wagering requirements. From 19th January all casino sites must adhere to a 10x maximum wagering cap on bonus offers, following a landmark ruling by the Gambling Commission. Editor’s Note: Though your ability to convert bonus into real cash is improving, gambling is still…
Every December, game studios unwrap their festive releases. Cue games with Santa and jingling soundtracks. We’ve tested the newest and most popular Christmas slot games, checked the small print, and brought together the ones that genuinely stand out. In true WhichBingo style, here’s your honest guide to the best Christmas slot games 2025. What they do well, who they suit, and where to play them safely. The 6 Best Christmas Slot…
Kenny Rogers was right. “If you’re gonna play the game, you gotta learn to play it right”. It’s Safer Gambling Week so we’re taking you back to school to teach you how your brain tricks you when you gamble – and what you can do to play smarter (and safer). 3. The Gambler’s fallacy Perhaps one of the best known terms in gambling. The gambler’s fallacy is the mistaken belief…
Your chances of walking away with real cash from a casino bonus are set to improve significantly. New UK regulations are putting an end to unfairly high wagering requirements. From 19th January all casino sites must adhere to a 10x maximum wagering cap on bonus offers, following a landmark ruling by the Gambling Commission. Editor’s Note: Though your ability to convert bonus into real cash is improving, gambling is still…
Kenny Rogers was right. “If you’re gonna play the game, you gotta learn to play it right”. It’s Safer Gambling Week so we’re taking you back to school to teach you how your brain tricks you when you gamble – and what you can do to play smarter (and safer). 3. The Gambler’s fallacy Perhaps one of the best known terms in gambling. The gambler’s fallacy is the mistaken belief…
Anyone accessing gambling sites or visiting gambling venues this week will see traditional marketing taken down in favour of Safer Gambling posters, but does anyone actually notice – and more importantly does anyone actually care? conversations we are often reluctant to have From every angle I believe strongly that Safer Gambling Week is a vitally important campaign designed to raise awareness of safer gambling and to open up conversations that…
It may be Halloween but we’re officially saying goodbye to some financial frights in the world of gambling. A significant set of new measures are set to boost the clarity, and ease of use for gambling deposit limits. And there is proven evidence that changes like this will help. The core goal of these improvements is to increase consumer empowerment. Here is what these changes mean for your experience, starting…
The honeymoon phase with dating apps is officially over. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brits admit they still think the day is relevant, but are ready to leave apps behind. A study of more than 500 Brits shows that 82% of single people would now prefer to meet a potential partner “naturally at a social event” rather than through a screen. This desire for organic connection comes as app fatigue sets…
If you think the WhichBingo Awards are all subdued applause and canapés, think again! In 2025, we welcomed 180 industry guests and spent 48 hours transforming the venue, followed by a full day of tech rehearsals. Behind the scenes our annual event has built up a fair bit of history, along with a few moments that still get talked about long after the trophies are handed out. From floating venues to a…
UK romantics are officially ditching roses, chocolates, and teddy bears in favour of experiences and memories. According to recent survey data, a massive 70.9% of Brits now prefer a shared experience over a physical gift. But, the survey of over 500 UK residents also revealed that nearly 64% of people agree that spending money isn’t a valid measurement of love. From fancy dinners to high-energy bingo raves, the focus has…
Some nights are made for slippers and snacks. Others call for being ‘out out’ with your mates, singing along to 90s pop songs, holding an inflatable unicorn you just won in a twerk off. But on the most romantic night of the year are you in the cosy night in or the party night out camp? Here’s how your Valentine’s style shapes your bingo, casino or bingo party options. Meanwhile, In Other News:…
by
Esther Rubin
5min
Updated March 12, 2025
Esther Rubin
Content Editor
Esther Rubin is a bingo and slots specialist with years of hands-on experience in the online gaming industry. Having worked as a bingo chat host, VIP manager, and promotions strategist, she has a deep understanding of online bingo platforms, community engagement, and player rewards. At WhichBingo, Esther reviews bingo sites, game variations, and promotions, helping players find the best platforms for a fun and fair gaming experience. She also analyses slot games, offering insights tailored for bingo players exploring slots. With a player-first approach, Esther’s reviews break down bonuses, jackpots, and game mechanics in a way that’s clear, engaging, and community-focused.
4min 
Reader comments