UK Gambling Commission’s New Guidelines on Gambling Promotions

• The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is preparing to implement new guidelines concerning gambling promotions.
• The maximum rollover requirement will be capped at 10 times.
• Operators will be prohibited from offering bonuses that combine different types of products.

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has recently unveiled significant revisions to the regulations governing gambling promotions. These changes are designed to reshape how promotions are advertised and utilized to attract both current and prospective customers.

UKGC Highlights New Consumer-Protection Measures in Bonusing Regulations

Historically, the UKGC has adopted a relatively relaxed stance on bonuses and promotions. However, the latest modifications aim to harmonize the regulatory framework with the nation’s enhanced focus on consumer protection.

According to a statement on its official website, the Commission expressed its intention to reduce the impact of potentially hazardous promotions by addressing the terms and conditions associated with these offers. Additionally, the UKGC targets promotions that span multiple product categories, such as those combining sports betting and casino games within a single offer.

Initially, the UKGC is concentrating on eradicating these so-called mixed product promotional offers, which encourage consumers to bet on sports events while simultaneously engaging in slot games.

Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director for Research and Policy, commented:

‘These changes will better protect consumers from gambling harm and give consumers much better clarity on, and certainty of, offers before they decide to sign up.’

The regulator cited evidence indicating that promotions spanning different game types are linked to a heightened risk of developing gambling addiction or experiencing gambling-related harm.

Furthermore, a critical update involves the restriction on playthrough requirements. This term refers to how many times a deposit or bonus must be wagered before any winnings can be withdrawn.

Previously, standard playthrough requirements ranged from 20 to 35 times. However, the UKGC now mandates that the maximum rollover requirements for bonuses cannot exceed 10 times.

This adjustment aims to simplify the bonus navigation process for players, eliminating confusion caused by previously higher wagering requirements, such as the 35x condition imposed by some operators on their casino offerings.

Implementation of Changes by End of 2025

Under the previous system, a 35x wagering requirement meant that to clear a ÂŁ100 bonus, a player would need to place bets totaling ÂŁ3,500, all while using existing funds and factoring in wins and losses.

This condition often led to customer complaints due to a lack of understanding of how these requirements worked. The UKGC plans to amend its core rules, particularly Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 (Rewards and Bonuses), to ensure that licensees comprehend the changes and their obligations.

The new regulations are set to take effect on December 19, 2025, providing license holders with a year to prepare for the transition.