23 February 2024 , 00:01
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New limits on how much people are allowed to bet on online slot games will come into force in September.
The Government says under-25s will be limited to £2-a-spin in an effort to protect them from harmful gambling. And those over 25 will have a £5 stake limit to "counter the increased risk of significant harm and life-changing losses".
There is currently no limit on the amount that gamblers can stake on online slots. New measures unveiled by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) follow dire warnings about problem gambling.
Campaigners warn they don't go far enough though. Gambling with Lives co-founder Charles Ritchie said: "The £2 limit for under-25s is a step in the right direction, but £5 for over-25s is another missed opportunity to stop the harm to millions and the devastation caused by gambling suicides.
"Stake limits offer some reduction in harm but the products are still highly addictive, so we also need much slower spin speeds, affordability checks, and proper public health information about the dangers." Evidence presented to the Government showed online slot games are one of the most addictive forms of gambling, and can be associated with large losses, long sessions, and binge play.
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NHS survey figures also showed a problem gambling rate of 8.7% for online gambling on slots, casino or bingo games. This is one of the highest rates across gambling activities. Evidence also pointed to a stronger link between gambling-related harm and suicide among young adults.
Gambling minister Stuart Andrew said: "Although millions of people gamble safely every single day, the evidence shows that there is a significantly higher problem gambling rate for online slot games. We also know that young adults can be more vulnerable when it comes to gambling-related harms, which is why we committed to addressing both of these issues in our White Paper.
"The growing popularity of online gambling is clear to see, so this announcement will level the playing field with the land-based sector and is the next step in a host of measures being introduced this year that will protect people from gambling harms."
The limits will come into force in September, with a six-week transition period for operators to become compliant with the general £5 stake limit rules. There will then be a further six weeks for the development of any necessary work around the £2 limit.