Legal

Date: 28.02.2025

by Sebastian Warowny

UK Gambling Levy and Online Slot Stake Limits Set for April Implementation

The UK government’s statutory gambling levy will take effect on 6 April 2024. The levy will require operators to contribute based on their gross gambling yield. Alongside this, new stake limits for online slots will be introduced in April and May.

New Levy Aims to Raise £100 Million for Harm Prevention

The UK government’s statutory gambling levy will officially take effect on 6 April 2024, following its approval on 12 February, gambling minister Baroness Twycross confirmed during the Betting & Gaming Council’s (BGC) Annual General Meeting.

The levy, first announced in November 2023, is designed to generate £100 million annually to fund harm prevention initiatives through a percentage of industry profits.

Each operator will contribute between 0.1% and 1.1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY), with exact rates determined by factors such as their sector, product offerings, and risk profile. Businesses will be required to make their first payments on 1 October 2024.

“This is a huge step forward for the sector,” Baroness Twycross stated, highlighting the additional funding available for projects aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.

Independent Oversight and Regulatory Balance

To ensure transparency and accountability, an independent statutory board will oversee the allocation of funds. Baroness Twycross emphasized that the levy was structured to balance industry impact with fairness, ensuring that all operators contribute appropriately based on their business model.

While the BGC had previously backed a voluntary levy, the organization has largely supported the transition to a statutory system.

Online Slot Stake Limits Coming in April and May

Alongside the levy, new stake limits for online slots will be enforced in two phases:

  • 9 April 2024 – A £2 stake limit per spin for players aged 18-24
  • 21 May 2024 – A £5 stake limit per spin for players aged 25 and over

The UK government intends to align online slot regulations with land-based gambling practices, targeting individuals most vulnerable to gambling harm. Baroness Twycross noted that the average online slot stake is currently 60p, reinforcing the government’s stance that these limits will primarily affect higher-risk players rather than the broader market.