United Kingdom: an end to excessive bonus requirements
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31 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The UK Gambling Commission has announced new regulations coming into force in December 2025 to strengthen player protection. These measures include banning bonus offers that combine several types of games and capping wagering requirements at 10 times the amount of the bonus, against sometimes abusive practices. The aim is to improve the transparency of promotions, reduce the risks associated with gambling and ensure fairer conditions for consumers. These changes are part of a wider reform of the sector initiated by the UK government to promote more responsible gambling.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced a series of new regulations aimed at strengthening consumer protection and increasing the transparency of gambling promotions. These measures will come into force on 19 December 2025 and mainly concern the prohibition of bonus offers combining different types of games and the limitation of wagering requirements associated with bonuses.
Ban on mixed promotions
Gambling operators will no longer be able to offer promotions that require players to participate in multiple types of games, such as sports betting and slots, to unlock rewards. The decision follows evidence that consumers are more exposed to risk when they simultaneously engage in different gambling products, particularly under complex promotional conditions. The UKGC pointed out that such combined offers can be confusing and increase players’ exposure to risk. The ban aims to simplify these promotions and improve fairness.
Capping of wagering requirements
Another key reform concerns the high wagering requirements often associated with bonus offers. From December 2025, operators will no longer be allowed to impose excessive wagering requirements, such as requiring players to wager 50 times their winnings before being able to withdraw them. From now on, the ceiling will be set at 10 times the amount of the bonus. This measure aims to limit prolonged play sessions induced by unclear or demanding conditions, thereby reducing potential risks while preserving players’ access to promotional offers.
Review of codes of practice
To reflect these changes, the UKGC will update the structure and wording of Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 regarding rewards and bonuses. These revisions are intended to clarify expectations of operators and support consistent application of the new rules. All changes will come into force on 19 December 2025, giving operators time to adjust their promotional strategies.
These reforms form part of the UK Government’s 2023 White Paper ‘High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age’, reflecting a wider drive to modernise consumer protection in online gambling. By banning mixed promotions and capping wagering requirements, the UKGC seeks to create a safer and more transparent gambling environment for UK consumers.
Implications for operators and players
Gambling operators will have to review and adapt their promotional offers to comply with the new regulations. Players will benefit from clearer promotions and less restrictive wagering requirements, reducing the risk of problem gambling.
The UKGC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these changes and assess their impact on consumer protection and the integrity of the gambling market.