The UK Gambling Commission announced that it will begin to implement new online deposit limit rules in phases starting from the end of October 2023, with the first set of regulations taking effect on October 31. The new rules require all online gambling operators to provide players with the ability to set deposit, loss, and withdrawal limits, and mandate operators to provide regular reminders and accessibility-friendly designs. These measures are based on recommendations from the Gambling Act Review White Paper, aimed at giving players more control, reducing gambling harm, and minimizing consumer confusion. The rules will be implemented in stages, with full implementation by June 30, 2026, requiring operators to adjust their systems to meet compliance requirements.
Rule Effective Dates and Implementation Background
The UK Gambling Commission released new guidelines for operators this Tuesday, detailing how to implement the online deposit rules announced in February this year. The new rules will be implemented in phases, starting in October 2023.
These measures follow the recommendations of the Gambling Act Review White Paper and are consistent with mandatory limit practices already implemented in countries like the Netherlands and Germany, aimed at raising player protection standards.
Core Requirements for Deposit Limits
From June 30, 2026, all UK online gambling operators must provide users with the ability to set deposit limits. Limits must be calculated based on the total amount deposited into the account within a specified period.
Operators may also offer loss limits or withdrawal limits as additional options. Loss limits can be set based on the total deposit amount (total deposits within a specific period) rather than the net amount (deposits minus withdrawals).
First Phase Implementation Content (Starting October 31)
Starting October 31, operators must ensure that new customers receive prompts to set financial limits before making their first deposit. This feature should be easy to review and modify, and consumers should receive reminders every six months to review account and transaction information.
Operators must also provide free SMS notifications at the account level to help customers establish reasonable limit standards.
User Interface and Access Requirements
The new rules require operators to provide prominent links on the homepage and deposit page to ensure that the financial limit setting feature is clearly visible and easily accessible. Users should be able to complete settings with just a few clicks.
Operators must respond immediately to customer requests to lower financial limits, ensuring users can quickly adjust control parameters.
Policy Goals and Consumer Rights
The Gambling Commission states that the new rules focus on clearly defining limit standards and improving customer communication, helping consumers better manage their gambling habits. The policy aims to give players more control and promote responsible gambling.
Helen Rhodes, Policy Director at the Gambling Commission, emphasized that these changes will provide consistency and clarity for consumers setting limits, while retaining the flexibility for operators to offer different forms of limits.
Consultation Process and Industry Feedback
The new rules are based on a consultation initiated by the Gambling Commission in March, focusing on three core recommendations: setting total deposit limits as the default option, allowing net limit (deposits minus withdrawals) choices, and clarifying the definition of "deposit limit."
The consultation received mixed responses, with some respondents concerned about the feasibility of mandating total deposit limits, while others called for clearer implementation guidelines and term restrictions.
Terminology Standardization and Reducing Confusion
To reduce consumer confusion, the Commission has clarified that only settings that meet the "total" deposit limit (total deposits within a specific period) can be defined as "deposit limit." Meanwhile, the term "spending limit" will be changed to "betting limit" to better match gambling behavior.
Operators must clearly explain the meaning of "loss limit" (total bets minus winnings) and introduce the concept of "net deposit limit" (deposit amount minus withdrawal amount).
Technical Implementation and Compliance Requirements
When consumers set multiple types of limits, the system must automatically apply the most stringent setting. Consumers who set deposit limits cannot deposit until the period ends or they choose to opt out, with an opt-out requiring a 24-hour "cooling-off period."
Operators must display all types of limits equally prominently on the website, ensuring transparency and ease of understanding.
International Comparison and Industry Impact
The UK's deposit limit rules align with policy trends in many European countries, reflecting a global shift in gambling regulation towards enhanced player protection. The implementation of the new rules may affect operators' technical system adjustments and customer communication strategies.
In the long term, these measures are expected to reduce gambling-related risks, raise industry standards for responsible gambling, and create a safer gambling environment for consumers.
