UK rules for casino apps
UK rules for casino apps, explained by BestApps: what the Gambling Commission and the government require of every licensed app, from age checks and the credit card ban to slot stake limits, game speed, the 10x wagering cap and safer-gambling prompts, each dated and sourced.
By the BestApps editorial team. Last checked .
Who sets the UK rules for casino apps
The UK rules for casino apps come from three places. The Gambling Act 2005 sets the legal framework for Great Britain. The Gambling Commission licenses operators and writes the detailed rules in its licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP) and its remote technical standards (RTS). The advertising codes, written by CAP and enforced by the ASA, govern how gambling is marketed.
Apple and Google add their own store rules on top: real-money gambling apps must be licensed where they're offered, restricted to those places and free to download. See app store rules for gambling apps and the Gambling Act 2005 and apps.
Timeline of UK casino app rules
| Date | Rule |
|---|---|
| 7 May 2019 | Age verification must be completed before a customer can gamble |
| 14 April 2020 | Credit cards banned for gambling, including via credit-funded e-wallets |
| 31 October 2021 | Online slots: no autoplay, turbo or slam-stop; at least 2.5 seconds per spin |
| 17 January 2025 | All online casino games: no autoplay, 5 seconds per non-slot game cycle, one game at a time, net spend and time shown |
| 28 February 2025 | Financial vulnerability checks at net deposits over £150 in 30 days |
| 9 April 2025 | £5 slot stake limit for players aged 25 and over |
| 21 May 2025 | £2 slot stake limit for players aged 18 to 24 |
| 31 October 2025 | Prompt to set a financial limit before the first deposit |
| 19 January 2026 | Bonus wagering capped at 10x; mixed-product promotions banned |
| 1 April 2026 | Remote gaming duty paid by operators rises from 21% to 40% |
The Commission's announcement of the 2025 game and safety rules (opens in a new tab) explains the January 2025 changes.
All pages in this section
UK rules for casino games in apps
Game design rules shape what you see on screen. Slots can't spin faster than once every 2.5 seconds and can't celebrate a return that's equal to or lower than your stake. Other casino games must allow at least 5 seconds per round. Since a Gambling Commission warning in January 2020, feature buy-ins are not offered to British players.
These rules apply to every licensed operator, so you'll see the same speed and stake limits whichever app you use. Read online game design rules, the autoplay ban and online slot stake limits for the full detail.
UK rules on bonuses, payments and withdrawals
From 19 January 2026, wagering can't be more than 10 times the bonus, and promotions that mix products, such as a sports bet that releases casino spins, are banned. The Commission's news on safer promotions (opens in a new tab) sets out both changes. There is no 2026 ban on time-based incentives.
On money, operators can't accept credit cards and can't let you reverse a withdrawal to keep playing. They must also tell you how well your balance is protected if the business fails. See the 10x wagering cap, the reverse withdrawal ban and customer funds protection.
UK rules on checks and player protection
- Age and identity: verified before you can deposit or gamble, including for free-to-play demo games.
- Financial vulnerability checks: light-touch checks when net deposits pass £150 in 30 days. Fuller financial risk assessments using credit-reference data are not live.
- Customer interaction: operators must watch for signs of harm and act on them.
- Complaints: if the operator doesn't resolve a complaint within 8 weeks, it must offer free, independent ADR.
See financial risk checks, customer interaction rules and complaints and ADR. Northern Ireland has separate law, covered in Northern Ireland gambling law.
Rules change often, so every page in this section is dated and links to the official source. If you spot a rule we've missed or one that has moved on, tell us through our contact page.
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
Are casino apps legal in the UK?
Yes, in Great Britain, as long as the operator holds a Gambling Commission licence. Apple and Google also require gambling apps to be licensed and restricted to the places where they're legal. The Gambling Act 2005 and the Commission's rules don't cover Northern Ireland, which has its own law. Read our page on remote gambling licences and are casino apps legal in the UK.
What is the 10x wagering cap?
Since 19 January 2026, the Gambling Commission has capped bonus wagering at 10 times the bonus amount. A £20 bonus can require at most £200 of bets before it can be withdrawn. The same change banned promotions that mix gambling products. Bonuses still carry other terms, such as time limits and game restrictions. See our page on the 10x wagering cap and the mixed product bonus ban.
Why is there no autoplay on UK casino apps?
Autoplay has been banned on online slots since 31 October 2021 and on all online casino games since 17 January 2025. The Gambling Commission removed it to slow play down and keep players making a conscious choice on every spin or round. Turbo and slam-stop features are banned on slots too. Read the autoplay ban page and why there is no autoplay on UK casino apps.
Are affordability checks live in the UK?
Not in the form often described. Light-touch financial vulnerability checks apply when your net deposits pass £150 in 30 days, from 28 February 2025. Fuller financial risk assessments using credit-reference data were piloted, but the Commission said in April 2026 that they are not live and no decision has been made. See financial risk checks and the financial risk check glossary entry.
Do I pay tax on casino app winnings in the UK?
No. UK players don't pay tax on gambling winnings. Operators pay remote gaming duty on their profits instead, and that rate rose from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026. Money you later earn from winnings, such as savings interest, may be treated differently. Read our page on remote gaming duty and do I pay tax on casino app winnings.
Can I play UK casino apps in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland isn't covered by the Gambling Act 2005 or the Gambling Commission's rules, which apply to Great Britain only. Some operators accept customers there, but offers can differ: PlayOJO's welcome offer excludes Northern Ireland, for example. Check the operator's terms. Read Northern Ireland gambling law and can I play casino apps in Northern Ireland.