UK Gambling Commission Implements New Online Deposit Limits Ahead of 2026 Deadline
The UK’s Gambling Commission has unveiled new guidance for betting operators concerning upcoming online deposit regulations, which had initially been announced in February. The regulator confirmed that these measures will be introduced gradually, with the first phase beginning this month. UK Online deposit limits
The move to impose deposit limits aligns with recommendations outlined in the white paper of the Gambling Act review. Such restrictions are increasingly becoming standard practice, already enforced in countries like the Netherlands and Germany.
By June 30, 2026, all licensed UK online gambling platforms will be required to enable users to establish deposit caps. The Commission clarified that these caps should be based on the total amount deposited into an account over a specified period. Additionally, operators will have the option to offer loss limits or withdrawal caps alongside mandatory deposit limits. The regulator specified that loss limits could be calculated on gross deposits—meaning total deposits during a period—rather than net deposits (deposits minus withdrawals).
The implementation of these rules will happen gradually, with the initial phase taking effect from October 31. Starting then, new customers will be prompted to set a financial limit before making their first deposit. The regulator emphasized that this process should be straightforward to review and modify. Furthermore, operators must remind customers every six months to review their account and transaction details. They are also required to provide a free-text option at the account level for customers to set meaningful financial limits. Other mandated features include placing prominently visible links on the homepage and deposit pages that facilitate limit-setting, designed to be accessible with minimal clicks. Finally, customer requests to lower their financial limits must be addressed immediately, ensuring swift responsiveness.
The primary aim of these updates is to improve how limits are defined and communicated, thereby empowering consumers to manage their gambling more effectively. Helen Rhodes, Director of Major Policy Projects at the Gambling Commission, highlighted that the new rules will enhance player control. She stated that these “limits will ‘empower’ consumers”. She also noted that “these further changes will bring consistency and clarity for those consumers choosing to set deposit limits, while still supporting gambling businesses to offer customer choice for different forms of limits.”
The development of these rules stemmed from a consultation launched in March by the Gambling Commission, which sought industry and public input on potential measures. The consultation centered around three main proposals: setting default gross deposit limits, permitting consumers to select “net” limits (deposits minus withdrawals), and defining “deposit limit” terminology. Responses were mixed. Some stakeholders expressed concerns about making gross deposit limits mandatory, while others called for clearer implementation guidance and restrictions on the use of the term “deposit limit”.
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To address ambiguity, the Commission clarified that only limits categorized as “gross” (total deposits over a period) can be called “deposit limits”. The regulator also confirmed that operators must provide deposit limits as a minimum but may also offer other limit types, which should be equally prominent on their websites. In terms of technical details, it was decided that if a customer sets multiple limit types with different timeframes, the most restrictive one will apply. Customers who set a deposit limit cannot deposit again until the period expires or they choose to opt out, which requires a 24-hour “cooling-off” period.
Regarding terminology, “spend limits” will be replaced with “stake limits” to better reflect gambling behavior and reduce confusion. Operators are also advised to clearly explain what “loss limit” entails—specifically, total stakes minus winnings within a set timeframe. Furthermore, the introduction of “net deposit limit,” defined as deposits minus withdrawals during a specific period, was recommended to improve understanding. These measures aim to ensure consumers are better informed and more in control of their gambling habits. UK Online deposit limits
