The rules today
| Rule | What it means for a no deposit offer |
|---|---|
| Wagering cap 10x | No bonus may require more than ten times its value in bets. Many offers now use less, or none. |
| No mixed-product offers | A casino bonus cannot depend on betting on sport, bingo or other products, or the other way round. Offers that let you choose where to use a bonus are still allowed. |
| ID before play | Age and identity are verified before you can gamble, including free spins and free-to-play games. |
| Slot stake limits | £5 per spin, or £2 per spin if you are 18 to 24. |
| No credit cards | You cannot gamble with a credit card. Debit cards, bank transfer and e-wallets funded by debit are fine. |
| GamStop | Every UK-licensed online casino must check GamStop. Self-excluded players cannot open an account or claim offers. |
| Clear terms | The significant conditions of an offer must be shown with the offer, and terms must be fair. |
Timeline
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| Nov 2014 | Every operator serving British players needs a Gambling Commission licence, wherever it is based. |
| 7 May 2019 | Age and identity checks before any gambling, free-to-play included. |
| 14 Apr 2020 | Credit cards banned for gambling. |
| 31 Oct 2021 | Online slot design rules: no autoplay, no turbo or slam stops, at least 2.5 seconds per spin, no celebrating losses as wins. |
| Apr 2023 | Government white paper on gambling reform. |
| 9 Apr 2025 | £5 maximum stake per online slot spin. |
| 21 May 2025 | £2 maximum stake for players aged 18 to 24. |
| 19 Jan 2026 | Wagering requirements capped at 10x. Mixed-product promotions banned. |
Tax on winnings
Players in the UK do not pay tax on gambling winnings, including winnings from free spins. The casino pays gambling duties on its profits.
Offers from sites without a UK licence
Sites aimed at British players without a Gambling Commission licence are operating illegally in Great Britain. Their offers can show 40x wagering, "not on GamStop" or mixed offers, because they do not follow these rules. They also give you no UK complaints route. We do not list them.
Check any casino on the Gambling Commission's public register before you sign up. The licence number is usually in the site footer.