The rule
Online slots have a maximum stake per game cycle: £5 for adults aged 25 and over, £2 for adults aged 18 to 24. A game cycle runs from the start of a spin until all money staked is lost or all winnings are paid out; any extra stakes inside the same cycle (for example in a feature) count towards the cap.
Imposed as an operating licence condition by the Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (regulation 5). Operators must know the customer's age (they already verify age before play) and apply the lower cap to under-25s.
Who it applies to
Holders of remote casino operating licences offering online slots to customers in Great Britain. Does not cover other online casino games such as roulette or blackjack.
What it means for you
- If you are 25 or over, no online slot at a GB-licensed casino will take more than £5 on a single game cycle. If you are 18 to 24, the cap is £2.
- The cap covers the whole game cycle, so a feature that asks for an extra stake mid-spin cannot take you past it.
- It applies to slots only. Roulette, blackjack and other casino games are not covered by this cap.
- Use the stake limit checker to see which limit applies to you.
Quick answers
When did this rule start?
£5 cap from 9 April 2025; £2 cap for 18 to 24 year olds from 21 May 2025
Who does it apply to?
Holders of remote casino operating licences offering online slots to customers in Great Britain. Does not cover other online casino games such as roulette or blackjack.