UK Confirms Mandatory Levy and Stake Caps on Online Slots

The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has confirmed plans to implement a mandatory levy on all licensed gambling operators, aiming to raise approximately £100 million annually for responsible gambling research and treatment programs. The voluntary contribution scheme will be replaced, making all operators accountable.

Additionally, the government will cap online slot stakes at £5 per spin for players over 25, and £2 for those aged 18–24—a significant step to limit gambling harm among vulnerable demographics. These measures aim to balance revenue generation with consumer protection.

Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross emphasized the urgency of these reforms, citing the social and financial damage caused by excessive gambling. The enforced levy and stake limits highlight the UK’s commitment to tackling gambling-related harms systemically.

Operators now face the dual challenge of adjusting business models to meet regulatory compliance while maintaining competitive appeal in a rapidly evolving digital gambling landscape.