Slot Stake Limits and new Statutory Levy for UK

The UK government confirmed yesterday that will be implementing a new statutory levy on all licensed online gambling operators, as well as introducing stake limits for online slot games.

The new measures were among a raft of key recommendations contained in their Gambling Act white paper published last year.

The Statutory Levy

All operators licensed by the Gambling Commission will soon be charged a statutory levy of between 1.1% to 0.1% of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY), depending on the product/vertical in question. The levy is separate and in addition to remote gambling duty already charged on GGY.

All funds raised from the levy, expected to be over £100 million annually, are to be allocated to the treatment and prevention of gambling harm. The Gambling Commission will be responsible for distribution of the funds.

The NHS is to get 50% to put towards their various gambling related treatment programs. The additional funding was welcomed by NHS national director for mental health, Claire Murdoch:

“Problem gambling can completely ruin lives and the issue has skyrocketed, with NHS services treating record numbers and our latest data showing a staggering 129% increase in service referrals compared with the same period last year.”

Another 30% will be directed toward problem gambling prevention initiatives – public education campaigns and the like.

The final 20% will  be set aside for research by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Gambling Commission. It is expected that the results of this research will help shape future gambling policy.

Stake Limits on Online Slots

In last year’s white paper online slots were singled out as being a particularly high risk gambling category associated with binge play and large losses. Stake limits of between £2 and £15 per spin were recommended.

Limits to be introduced are in the recommended range, being set as follows:

  • £5 per spin for adults 25 and over and;
  • £2 per spin for 18-24 year olds.

Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, noted that the limits are aimed at, ‘helping to protect those at risk, with a particular focus on young adults’.

The focus on younger gamblers follows a number of studies suggesting under 25s are particularly susceptible to problem gambling.

When do the new measures take effect?

Both the statutory levy and slot stake limits are expected to be implemented early 2025. A formal review of the measures will take place in 2030.

You can read the official release here.

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