The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is moving forward with new measures to strengthen consumer protections and help players control their spending. This measure marks another milestone in a broader overhaul of responsible gambling measures. The UKGC noted that these measures are necessary to keep pace with shifting industry dynamics and a rise in gambling harm.
Users Will Have Full Control
Effective June 30, 2026, all licensed online gambling companies in the UK will be required to provide customers the option to set a clear deposit limit, based solely on the amount of money a player deposits into their account over a set period. The new rules expand existing requirements that mandate operators to offer players financial limit-setting tools upon registration or before their first deposit.
According to the UKGC, the new limits should be easy to understand and difficult to bypass. The regulator noted that this update aims to bring greater consistency to how these limits are presented and applied across the industry, while still allowing companies to offer other forms of optional limits, such as ones based on losses or withdrawals.
The first stage of the new framework launches on October 31, 2025, requiring all gambling operators to implement several new measures. Every new client must be able to set a limit before making a deposit, easily review or adjust those limits, and provide visible access to limit-setting options via their websites’ homepages and deposit pages. Bettors will also receive bi-annual updates regarding their spending and account activity.
Problem Gambling Remains a Pressing Issue
Helen Rhodes, director of major policy projects at the UKGC, noted that the new measures aligned with the regulator’s mission to empower consumers. This development follows months of consultation with industry stakeholders, academics, and consumer advocates. Deposit limits remain one of the most effective ways to manage player risk, and broad implementation ensures all consumers can benefit.
“Our work will help empower consumers to have greater awareness and control over their gambling.”
Helen Rhodes, UKGC director of major policy projects
The reforms come at a time when gambling-related financial harm is becoming a pressing concern in the UK. The UKGC puts the number of British adults who struggle with some form of gambling problem at 1.4 million, or 2.5% of the total population. Leading charity GamCare also reported record demand for its consultation services in 2025.
According to the UKGC, the upcoming deposit limit rules represent a measured yet significant step toward reducing harm in the digital gambling market. With further regulatory adjustments expected in 2026 and beyond, the initiative is crucial to ensuring that player protection keeps pace with the rapid technological and behavioural shifts in online betting.