Casino apps need updates for three main reasons: to fix security holes, to keep working with new versions of iOS and Android, and to keep up with UK gambling rules, which changed several times between 2025 and 2026. Updates also add games and fix bugs, but the safety and compliance changes are the ones you shouldn't skip.
The National Cyber Security Centre advises installing app and phone updates as soon as they're available.
UK rules on game speed, spend displays, deposit limits, marketing choices and bonus wagering all changed between 2025 and 2026, and apps had to change too.
Coral and Ladbrokes' iPhone apps now need iOS 18.0 or later, so an out-of-date phone can stop an app updating.
Only update through the App Store or Google Play, never from a link in a message.
Official advice
Apply updates as soon as available (NCSC)
Coral iOS app
iOS 18.0 or later, 101.6 MB
Ladbrokes iOS app
iOS 18.0 or later, 101.2 MB
PlayOJO iOS app
iOS 15.0 or later, 25.4 MB
Apple guidelines last updated
16 October 2026
Why casino apps need updates: the short answer
A real-money casino app is a piece of software that handles your identity, your bank details and your money, and it runs inside a phone system that keeps changing. Updates keep those three things lined up. Skipping them doesn't usually break anything on day one, but the gap grows each month.
There's also a reason that's specific to gambling. UK casino apps work under detailed technical standards from the Gambling Commission, and when those standards change, the app on your phone has to change too. That's why a casino app can update more often than, say, a calculator. For more everyday app questions, start at our casino app questions hub.
Security: the most important reason to update a casino app
The National Cyber Security Centre's update advice (opens in a new tab) is blunt: apply updates to your apps and your phone's software as soon as they're available, don't ignore update prompts, and turn on automatic updates if you can. Updates often close weaknesses that criminals already know about.
On a casino app that matters more than usual, because the app holds your log-in, your verified identity and a cashier linked to your debit card, PayPal or bank. An out-of-date app on an out-of-date phone is the easiest target. Pair updates with two-factor authentication and a strong, unique password, as set out in our guide to keeping your casino account secure.
UK gambling rule changes that casino apps had to follow
Between 2025 and 2026 the Gambling Commission brought in a run of new rules from the government's gambling white paper. Most of them show up on your screen, which means the apps had to be rebuilt to match.
Recent UK rule changes that reached casino apps
Date
Rule
What changed in the app
17 January 2025
Game design rules extended beyond slots
No autoplay on any casino game, at least 5 seconds per game cycle for non-slot games, no playing several games at once, and net spend and time shown in real time
28 February 2025
Financial vulnerability checks
Light-touch checks once net deposits pass £150 in a rolling 30 days
9 April and 21 May 2025
Online slot stake limits
Spin stakes capped at £5 (25 and over) and £2 (18 to 24), applied according to your age
1 May 2025
Direct marketing choices
You pick which products (betting, casino, bingo) and channels (email, SMS, phone) you hear about, with options off by default
31 October 2025
Financial limit prompt
A prompt to set a limit before your first deposit
19 January 2026
Bonus wagering cap and mixed-product ban
Wagering capped at 10x the bonus; promotions mixing betting and casino banned
30 September 2026
Gross deposit limits deadline
Gross deposit limits must be offered, and only gross limits can be called deposit limits
Some of these changes sit on the operator's servers rather than in the app itself. Even so, a new on-screen element, such as a spend counter or a limit prompt, usually needs an app update to display properly.
Keeping up with new iOS and Android versions
Apple and Google release new versions of their systems every year, and app makers move their minimum requirements up over time. When they do, an older phone can be left behind.
Minimum iOS version and size of partner casino apps (App Store listings)
App
Requires
Size
Works on
Coral Casino: Slots & Games
iOS 18.0 or later
101.6 MB
iPhone, iPad, Apple silicon Mac, Apple Vision
Ladbrokes Casino Games & Slots
iOS 18.0 or later
101.2 MB
iPhone, iPad, Apple silicon Mac, Apple Vision
PlayOJO Real Money Casino
iOS 15.0 or later
25.4 MB
iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple silicon Mac, Apple Vision
If your iPhone can't run iOS 18, the App Store won't offer you the newest Coral or Ladbrokes build. Google Play listings no longer show a minimum Android version on the web page, so check on the phone itself whether the app says it's compatible. Our page on casino apps on older phones covers what to do if yours falls short.
Apple's App Review Guidelines (opens in a new tab) were last updated on 16 October 2026, and section 5.3 says gambling is one of the most regulated categories in the store. Real-money apps must be licensed where they're used, restricted to those places and free to download. Apple also tells gambling developers to be prepared for extra time during review.
Privacy labels are part of this. Each update can change what a listing says about data use. Coral's iPhone listing, for example, says it collects coarse location linked to you, while Ladbrokes' says precise location isn't linked to you. It's worth rereading the label after a big update; our guide to reading a casino app privacy label shows you how.
New games, features and bug fixes
The everyday reason for updates is the one you'd expect: fixing crashes and adding features. Casino app game lobbies can change often, though many new games load from the operator's servers without an app update. Updates more often bring changes to menus, cashier screens, log-in and rewards areas.
If an app keeps closing after an update, it may need a restart or a fresh install rather than another update. Our troubleshooting guide for when a casino app keeps crashing runs through the order to try things in.
How to update a casino app on iPhone and Android
Always update through the official store. A message or email with a download link that claims to be an update is a classic scam route.
Connect to Wi-Fi if you can, as some casino apps are over 100 MB.
On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile picture and scroll to see pending updates. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture and look for the option to manage apps and updates.
Find the casino app and tap Update, or update everything at once.
If the update won't start, check you have enough free storage and that your phone's own software is up to date.
Open the app and log in. Your balance, history and limits are held on your account, not on the phone.
To avoid falling behind, turn on automatic app updates in the App Store or Google Play settings.
In the short term, often nothing. Over time, three things tend to happen. Security fixes pile up unapplied, newer features stop appearing, and eventually the operator may ask you to install the latest version before you can log in or play.
Your money and account aren't at risk from a missed update in the way they would be from a lost password. The account sits with the operator, and any limits you've set belong to the account. The Commission's rules call for account-level limits, so a limit set in the app also applies on the website. If you've decided to step back rather than update, the time-out and self-exclusion options are a better tool than leaving an old app on your phone.
Up-to-date casino apps with a welcome offer
The three casinos below keep current apps in both main stores. Their welcome offers depend on your account, so they're the same whether you claim in an updated app or on the website. All are 18+ and terms apply.
Coral Casino (app needs iOS 18.0): new players who deposit and bet £10 or more on slots get 100 free spins on selected games, worth 10p each. Accept within 48 hours, use within 7 days, no wagering on spin winnings. Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and some debit cards don't qualify. The offer runs until 1 February 2027.
Ladbrokes Casino (app needs iOS 18.0): new customers who deposit and spend £10 or more on slots get 50 free spins a day for the first 10 days, up to 500, at 10p each on selected games. Claim before 23:59 each day; spins last 7 days; no wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits are excluded.
PlayOJO (app needs iOS 15.0): new UK customers, excluding Northern Ireland, get 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza at 10p each with a first deposit of at least £10. No wagering, and winnings are paid as cash. It can't be combined with other offers and is available only through the designated offer link.
The spins are for slots only. The house edge still applies to every spin you pay for, so decide on a budget before you deposit.
Updating an app never resets or replaces a welcome offer: offers are tied to your account. 18+, terms apply.
Coral and Ladbrokes are both run by LC International Limited (Entain). If you already hold an account with one Entain brand, you may not be able to open another; check the terms first.
Significant terms: 18+. New players only. Offer runs 01/10/2026 to 01/02/2027. Deposit (certain types excluded) and bet £10+ on slot games to get 100 free spins (selected games, £0.10 each, 48 hrs to accept, valid 7 days). No wagering on free spin winnings. Deposits by Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our Coral app reviewLicence: LC International Limited, Gambling Commission account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
Time limitClaim daily for 10 days; each batch valid 7 days
Worked valueUp to 500 spins at £0.10 (up to £50 in spins)
Significant terms: 18+. New customers only, from 14/11/25 until further notice. Certain deposit methods excluded. Deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day during the first 10 days after first deposit and registration (max 500, £0.10 each, selected games, claim before 23:59 each day, valid 7 days). No wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our Ladbrokes app reviewLicence: LC International Limited, Gambling Commission account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
Significant terms: 18+. New UK customers (excluding Northern Ireland). First deposit only. Minimum deposit £10. 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, £0.10 each. No wagering requirements; winnings paid in cash. Cannot be used with any other offer. Only available to players who arrive through the designated offer link. Full T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our PlayOJO app reviewLicence: Skill On Net Limited, Gambling Commission account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to update my casino app?
You don't have to install every update straight away, but you should. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends updating apps as soon as updates are available, and casino apps change often to follow UK rules. If you fall too far behind, the operator may ask you to update before you can log in. Turning on automatic updates is the simplest fix. Our guide on how to update a casino app shows the settings for both phone types.
Why does my casino app update so often?
Casino apps update often because they sit under more rules than most apps. Between January 2025 and January 2026 the Gambling Commission changed game speed, spend displays, slot stakes, marketing choices, limit prompts and bonus wagering. Each change could mean a new screen or setting. Bug fixes and security patches add to that. The Gambling Commission glossary entry explains who sets these rules.
Will updating my casino app delete my balance?
No. Your balance, transaction history and verified details are stored on the operator's systems, not inside the app. An update replaces the software only. Even deleting and reinstalling the app leaves your account as it was. You'll just need to log in again. If you're worried about money in an account you no longer use, read what happens to my balance if I delete the app.
Why won't my casino app update?
The usual causes are low storage, an outdated phone system or a poor connection. Coral's iPhone app is 101.6 MB and needs iOS 18.0 or later, so an older iPhone may not be offered the update at all. Free up space, update your phone's software and try again on Wi-Fi. If none of that works, see our page on casino app storage space and check whether your handset is still supported.
Do casino app updates change the odds?
No, an app update doesn't quietly change a game's odds. UK technical standards say a game's rules, payouts and probabilities can't change while it's available for play, and its RTP must be available before you play. Rule changes have affected speed, autoplay and stake sizes, not the house edge. If you want to check a game's figure after an update, follow our steps on how to find the RTP in a casino app.
Is it safe to update a casino app from a link?
No. Only update through the App Store or Google Play. Apple and Google both check real-money gambling apps against their licensing rules, and Google Play Protect scans apps on Android. A link in a text, email or social post may lead to a fake app built to steal log-ins. If a message urges you to update, open the store yourself instead. Our guide to fake casino apps and scams lists other warning signs.
Do I need to update my phone as well as the casino app?
Usually, yes. App makers raise their minimum system requirement over time: Coral and Ladbrokes now ask for iOS 18.0 or later, while PlayOJO asks for iOS 15.0. If your phone software is too old, the store may stop offering newer app versions. Updating the phone also brings its own security fixes. Our page on which iOS version casino apps need lists requirements for more apps.
Do my deposit limits stay after an app update?
Yes. Limits are set on your account, not on the copy of the app, so updating or reinstalling doesn't remove them. Since 31 October 2025 operators must also prompt new customers to set a financial limit before their first deposit. If a limit isn't showing after an update, contact the operator's support team. Our guide to setting deposit limits in a casino app explains how increases and decreases work.
We use no tracking cookies. We store one item in your browser to remember this notice. Casino sites may set their own cookies after you follow an advert link. Cookie policy
