UK Parliament Debates New Gambling Act Amendments

_{UK MPs debate new online gambling regulations, including stake limits and a statutory levy to address gambling-related harm. (Image: PA Images / Alamy)}

On Wednesday, January 29, the UK Parliament discussed amendments to the Gambling Act 2005, including new stake limits for online slots and a statutory gambling levy. 

The new limits would mean that players aged 25 and over will be limited to a £5 maximum stake per spin on online slot games, while those aged 18 to 24 will have a £2 limit. 

Addressing the committee, MP Stephanie Peacock highlighted that online slots are particularly risky, representing a significant portion of the £6.9 billion online gambling market in the UK.  The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently advised GPs to screen patients for gambling-related harm.

The MP said, “The industry trade body, the Betting and Gaming Council, welcomed the decision to introduce stake limits. If the regulations are agreed upon, there will be a transitional period to ensure that gambling operators have sufficient time to implement the changes. 

"Operators will have six weeks from the day that the instrument is made to implement a £5 stake limit. They will then have a further six weeks to implement the £2 stake limit for younger adults. During that time, the £5 limit will apply to all adults.” 

MP Insists £5 Limit Per Spin on Online Slots Too High 

During the debate, Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed concern that the £5 limit is still too high, especially compared to the £2 limit in physical betting shops, noting the accessibility and addictive nature of online gambling. 

He said, “The facts are clear. Online slots account for more than half of gambling revenues online, and 45% of those who engage with them are classed as either problem gamblers or at risk. 

"A report on harm to national gambling treatment service clients by location shows that 38.1% report harm online.” 

A recent report , with motivations ranging from fun to financial gain, despite concerns about problem gambling. The Draft Gambling Levy Regulations 2025 will require gambling operators to contribute funds for research and addiction treatment efforts. 

Peacock described the levy as a significant step forward, aiming to improve resources and governance for combating gambling-related harm. 

She said, “As I outlined in my opening remarks, we believe that online slot stake limits are an important and proportionate intervention aimed at the people most at risk of gambling-related harm.

“We think this is timely regulation, as online slot games continue to grow in popularity and gross gambling yield. The limits will bolster safer gaming design requirements to ensure that online slot games are safer to play than ever. 

"Online slot stakes limits should serve as a maximum stake that customers can choose to stake up to, rather than as a new default that operators can drive customers towards.” 

Conservative MP Argues Government are ‘Bashing’ the Gambling Industry 

The pro-gambling lobby, represented by Conservative MP Louie French, criticised the levy for potentially harming smaller operators and highlighted a perceived lack of government engagement with the industry. 

He said, “It appears that the government is continuing to miss the opportunity to promote growth in the sector and to engage in the modernisation of casinos more broadly. I have raised the issue previously, and, trying to be constructive in opposition, I do so again now.”

Duncan Smith countered that the gambling industry had ample opportunity to contribute voluntarily and that a statutory levy was necessary to ensure community support. 

Questions on Government Plans for Casino Modernisation 

Louie French, MP, also asked about the draft bill on casinos. He said, "I have met a range of operators from across the country already and it is clear that there is still a desire to invest in those businesses, despite the significant headwinds and operational costs coming from the Chancellor’s Budget, which is pushing many into the red. 

"Is the government planning to reintroduce the draft instrument on casino modernisation, which I understand had already been drafted by the department before the election? If so, when can we expect that, and if not, why not?" adds French.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of regulatory oversight in Northern Ireland and the possibility of increased black-market gambling due to the new stake limits. Peacock assured that the government would review the limits within five years of their implementation.