Britain announced on Wednesday a new cap on the maximum stake for online slot games. People aged 25 and older can now bet up to 5 pounds ($6.30) per spin, while younger players aged 18 to 24 face a lower limit of 2 pounds per spin. These changes aim to tackle gambling-related harm and promote safer practices.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) explained the move, highlighting that online slots are often linked to big financial losses, long gambling sessions, and binge play.
“Gambling harm can destroy finances, damage relationships, and ultimately cost lives,” said Gambling Minister Fiona Twycross. “We are determined to introduce stronger protections for those at risk.”
A New Gambling Levy for Better Support
To further address the issue, the government will introduce a mandatory gambling levy. This levy is expected to raise 100 million pounds annually, with charges varying by gambling type and sector. The funds will be used to:
- Provide support and treatment for those harmed by gambling.
- Launch public health campaigns about gambling risks.
- Fund research into gambling-related issues.
Henrietta Bowden-Jones, a national health expert on gambling harms, revealed that 2.5% of the population gamble in severely harmful ways, with many others also affected.
