The UK government has announced new measures to combat gambling addiction, including a cap on the amount of money that can be placed on online slot bets. For the first time, a £5 per spin limit will apply to all adults aged 25 and over, while those aged 18 to 24 will face a £2 per spin limit.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) also plans to increase taxes on gambling companies to fund addiction treatment services. Gambling minister Fiona Twycross stated that the new limits aim to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults, and to ensure safer gambling practices.
The measures come in response to a sharp rise in online gambling addiction, particularly with online slot games, which saw a significant increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline. According to charity GamCare, 45% of those who sought help in 2023-2024 mentioned online slots, up from 34% in 2020-2021.
The DCMS also announced that a new tax on the gambling industry would be introduced to fund addiction treatment, with £100 million expected to be raised. The levy will allocate half of the funds to NHS care, 30% to public health campaigns, and the remaining 20% to research.
While the Betting and Gaming Council, the industry’s main lobby group, has supported the measures, it expressed concerns that the government’s stance may be influenced by anti-gambling advocates. The industry group also pointed out that gambling companies have voluntarily contributed £170 million to harm prevention services over the past four years.
The government’s proposals are part of a wider overhaul of gambling regulations, following a consultation earlier this year. The new rules aim to curb gambling-related harm and provide greater protection to consumers.