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.
Celebs, Bingo Offers, and More: What's on This Month
It’s time to get your daubers out and your party shoes on, because we’re in full swing this August. The only place you can rub shoulders with celebrities, grab incredible bingo and casino offers, and more. With a packed schedule of events, there truly is A LOT to get excited about! WhichBingo Celebrity Party The highlight of the calendar is our sensational Celebrity Party! What’s a summer celebration without some star…
by
Nic McBride
3min
29. Jul 202514:12
Seagull Mayhem 2025: UK’s Most Targeted Beaches Revealed
Nearly half of Brits report being physically attacked by a seagull – with Brighton Beach being the number spot to get your chips stolen by a winged thief. In 2024, WhichBingo revealed that chip-snatching seagulls were wreaking havoc along the British coast. This year, we’ve gone deeper. Our updated 2025 survey captured over 300 public responses from across the UK, focusing not only on food theft but also on behaviour…
by
Killian Morris
3min
22. Jul 202515:49
From Bed to Bathroom: WILD Places Brits Are Playing Bingo Online
When you’ve gotta bingo, you’ve gotta bingo and this has made for some… interesting spots for people to play the classic game. The digital age has unleashed an online bingo revolution, and it’s happening in the most unexpected (and often hilarious) places. The 2025 WhichBingo Bingo Player Survey, polling 1,200 UK players, revealed a glimpse into the bizarre world of online bingo habits, proving that Brits will squeeze in a…
by
Nic McBride
3min
18. Jul 202509:48
Is this the UK’s Funniest Bingo Caller?
‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the funniest of them all?’ Well, you don’t need ask anymore, because Dabbers Bingo has answered the question. And the winner is… *drumroll* Ali Brice and his alter ego, Eric Meat! Dabbers Bingo put out the call for the UK’s funniest in their Bingo Comedy Caller Contest 2025 and it was answered in style this week in a Grand Final to remember. Ali…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
7. Jul 202515:27
Behind the Numbers: The WhichBingo Awards 2025 Voting Revealed
What does your favourite bingo or casino site say about you? Well, we have analysed all 265,000 votes and data from the WhichBingo Awards 2025 – to reveal how your vote played a key role, which sites and games made an unseen impact, and what it might say about you… You can view all the WhichBingo Awards 2025 winners here. What Your Favourite Bingo Site Says About You: Your Voting: The Big Picture 2025…
by
Nic McBride
6min
4. Jul 202512:33
WhichBingo Wins Best Bingo Affiliate 2025
And the winner is… us! A panel of expert judges has officially crowned WhichBingo as the #1 guide to finding top bingo sites. WhichBingo won Best Bingo Affiliate at the iGB Affiliate Awards 2025 in London. “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award. It’s a clear sign that our commitment to connecting players with the best bingo sites is being recognised by the iGaming industry,” said WhichBingo Senior Director Lynsey…
by
Nic McBride
3min
15. May 202507:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
22. Jul 202515:49
From Bed to Bathroom: WILD Places Brits Are Playing Bingo Online
When you’ve gotta bingo, you’ve gotta bingo and this has made for some… interesting spots for people to play the classic game. The digital age has unleashed an online bingo revolution, and it’s happening in the most unexpected (and often hilarious) places. The 2025 WhichBingo Bingo Player Survey, polling 1,200 UK players, revealed a glimpse into the bizarre world of online bingo habits, proving that Brits will squeeze in a…
by
Nic McBride
3min
7. Jul 202515:27
Behind the Numbers: The WhichBingo Awards 2025 Voting Revealed
What does your favourite bingo or casino site say about you? Well, we have analysed all 265,000 votes and data from the WhichBingo Awards 2025 – to reveal how your vote played a key role, which sites and games made an unseen impact, and what it might say about you… You can view all the WhichBingo Awards 2025 winners here. What Your Favourite Bingo Site Says About You: Your Voting: The Big Picture 2025…
by
Nic McBride
6min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
28. Nov 202415:45
Two Developments in UK Gambling Designed to Protect Players
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced two measures to improve player protection designed to reduce the risks of gambling addiction while ensuring that more operators contribute to helping people affected. The changes involve new stake limits and a statutory levy. Let’s read more about it. 1. New Stake Limits While full details have yet to be outlined, based on the Gambling Review’s White Paper, the…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Nov 202415:49
Safer Gambling Week 2024: Promoting Positive Play and Industry Support
Safer gambling week is upon us once again but what does that mean for the gambling industry and those who play? For gambling companies it is an opportunity to engage with their customers and promote the various tools that are on offer to help players manage their gambling spend, their time spent gambling and their access to gambling. For consumers it is a chance to have open and honest conversations…
by
Rob Mabbett
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
13. Jun 202410:59
Rise in Safer Gambling Tools Use During Safer Gambling Week
New figures released have shown a substantial uptake in the use of safer gambling tools during last year’s Safer Gambling Week. 2023’s Safer Gambling Week was held from November 13th to November 19th and promoted an exciting campaign on the use of safer gambling tools when gambling. Safer Gambling Week is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council and is in its 7th year. It brings together many different areas…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
1min
6. Aug 202516:52
Celebs, Bingo Offers, and More: What's on This Month
It’s time to get your daubers out and your party shoes on, because we’re in full swing this August. The only place you can rub shoulders with celebrities, grab incredible bingo and casino offers, and more. With a packed schedule of events, there truly is A LOT to get excited about! WhichBingo Celebrity Party The highlight of the calendar is our sensational Celebrity Party! What’s a summer celebration without some star…
by
Nic McBride
3min
29. Jul 202514:12
Seagull Mayhem 2025: UK’s Most Targeted Beaches Revealed
Nearly half of Brits report being physically attacked by a seagull – with Brighton Beach being the number spot to get your chips stolen by a winged thief. In 2024, WhichBingo revealed that chip-snatching seagulls were wreaking havoc along the British coast. This year, we’ve gone deeper. Our updated 2025 survey captured over 300 public responses from across the UK, focusing not only on food theft but also on behaviour…
by
Killian Morris
3min
18. Jul 202509:48
Is this the UK’s Funniest Bingo Caller?
‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the funniest of them all?’ Well, you don’t need ask anymore, because Dabbers Bingo has answered the question. And the winner is… *drumroll* Ali Brice and his alter ego, Eric Meat! Dabbers Bingo put out the call for the UK’s funniest in their Bingo Comedy Caller Contest 2025 and it was answered in style this week in a Grand Final to remember. Ali…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
11. Jul 202509:12
TOWIE's Bobby Norris Dabs Out with Fanny Galore in Latest Series
Get ready for a fabulous dose of bingo, drag, and celebrity sparkle as WhichBingo’s highly anticipated “Dabbing Out” Series 3 returns. Episode one starts with a bang – featuring none other than The Only Way Is Essex legend Bobby Norris at drag bingo. “You gotta love a bit of drag and bingo,” Norris said, as he and Dabbing Out host Charlie Shakespeare play bingo at Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party….
by
Killian Morris
3min
Updated March 12, 2025
Esther Rubin
iGaming Writer
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 analyzes 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.
3min 
Reader comments