UKGC Enforces New Consumer Protections and Deposit Limits

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February 5th, 2025
Back UKGC Enforces New Consumer Protections and Deposit Limits

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced a series of regulatory updates aimed at strengthening consumer control over gambling habits and increasing transparency regarding player funds. These measures, set to take effect from 31 October 2025, will introduce standardized deposit limit prompts and enforce clearer financial protections for players.

Mandatory Deposit Limits for First-Time Depositors

Starting in late October 2025, all licensed gambling operators in the UK must prompt first-time customers to establish a financial limit before making an initial deposit. While some operators have already implemented voluntary deposit restrictions, this new requirement will ensure consistency across the industry.

Additionally, customers will have the option to adjust their deposit limits at any time after setting them. To further support responsible gambling, operators must remind users every six months to review their deposit limits and transaction history, allowing them to make informed decisions about their spending habits.

According to the UKGC, these updates are based on principles already adopted by some companies, now expanding to all licensed operators. The commission emphasized that these changes aim to offer consumers more effective tools to manage their gambling and maintain financial awareness.

Enhanced Transparency for Customer Funds Protection

The regulatory updates also focus on improving how operators disclose the protection status of customer funds. Currently, gambling businesses must indicate in their terms and conditions whether player funds are safeguarded in the event of insolvency. Under the new regulations, this information must be explicitly presented at the moment of the first deposit and classified into one of four categories:

  • Not protected – no segregation
  • Not protected – segregation of customer funds
  • Medium protection
  • High protection

From 31 October 2025, operators holding unprotected player funds must remind customers every six months that their funds are at risk in the event of insolvency. While operators are not legally required to secure customer funds, the UKGC notes that many companies choose to do so voluntarily. This added transparency will provide players with the information necessary to make informed decisions about which operators they trust with their money.

Adjustments to the Statutory Levy Requirements

Following some industry uncertainty regarding the statutory levy introduced in November 2024, the UKGC has clarified the framework for operators. Under this levy, licensed gambling businesses will be required to contribute between 0.1% and 1.1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY). The specific rate will depend on factors such as the sector, gambling vertical, and risk profile of the products offered.

With the levy’s introduction expected in April 2025, the UKGC has confirmed that it will eliminate the existing requirement for operators to contribute annually to a list of research, prevention, and treatment organizations. This change will align funding efforts with the statutory levy and remove overlapping obligations.

Ensuring a Fair and Transparent Gambling Environment

Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the UKGC, underscored the significance of these regulatory updates: “These changes illustrate our commitment to ensuring gambling is fair and open by improving consumer empowerment and choice.”

He further highlighted that the adjustments will provide consumers with greater control over deposit limits, improved monitoring of their gambling expenses, and clearer insights into fund protection policies: “These changes will help consumers decide on deposit limits, enable them to keep track of their spending, and ensure they are fully aware of what happens to their funds should an operator become insolvent.”

The UKGC has also stated its commitment to delivering additional regulatory measures outlined in the 2023 Gambling Act White Paper, ensuring that the UK’s gambling industry remains transparent, responsible, and consumer-focused.

Source:

New Rules Empowering Consumers and Boosting Operator Transparency, gamblingcommission.gov.uk, 04 February 2025.

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