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UKGC imposes strict new rules on casino bonuses
20 October 2026
The UK Gambling Commission has implemented sweeping changes to iGaming promotional rules, capping wagering requirements at 10 times the bonus amount and banning mixed-product offers that combine sports betting and casino games.
Effective 19 January 2025, operators must apply a maximum 10x playthrough on all bonus funds, substantially limiting the free spins and bonus cash previously used to lure new customers. Bonuses in any single product category (betting, slots, bingo, etc.) can only be used in that category, and must offer players clear choice in how to deploy any bonus wager.
In its consultation rationale, the Commission cited evidence that mixing product types within promos "increases the risk of harm to consumers," and that "combining different products in a bonus can introduce unnecessary complexity and confusion".
It is not clear what, if any, transition period may apply as casinos adapt to the new ruleset.
10x cap intended to simplify terms, reduce harm
The 10x cap is a major simplification of existing wagering requirements, which were often structured as complex multipliers that would "compound" a bonus over many turns.
"By capping the multiplier at 10, the Commission seeks to reduce complexity and improve transparency for consumers," the Commission said. It notes that wagering bonuses can "obscure" the marketing intent, and cites evidence that consumers are more likely to enjoy themselves responsibly if bonus terms are simpler.
Casinos had lobbied the Commission to raise the cap to 15-25x, although the operator trade group Betting and Gaming Council proposed a compromise at 15x. In the end, the regulator was unmoved, and the 10x limit was maintained.
The Commission is careful to call the limit a restriction, not a ban, but its technical guidance suggests the new wagering cap applies regardless of the source of any free spins or bonus funds. Operators will need to ensure all future promotions comply with the 10x limit.
The regulator also notes that existing age verification and know your customer procedures may impact eligibility for incentives, as these relate to player protection measures.
What limits does the regulator intend to put on "mixed-product" bonuses?
The prime example the Commission cited was the common practice of pairing free bets with free slots spins as an incentive. This was widely used by both international and domestic operators, as a way of spreading risk across multiple product lines.
Sample promo terms before reform:
"By depositing £10, you are eligible for £10 of free casino credits, a £5 free bet for sports, and £1 in free bingo tickets. Betting and slots conditions apply (35x, 72 hour expiry)."
The Commission's research showed that multi-product promos, particularly those with high wagering requirements, carried greater risk of consumer harm, as players could transfer losses between products. This was deemed riskier than a player using a bonus in one product category.
Essentially, the complex terms were creating situations where losses could accumulate, and product switching would be initiated by the operator rather than the player. The Commission has clearly moved to prevent this practice.
Notably, the new rules permit operators to develop category-specific bonuses. A casino might offer free spins with a 10x limit, and a sportsbook could do the same. But these incentives must be completely separate in terms of administration and accounting.
What do the new rules mean for online casino operators?
The immediate priority for operators is adjusting all bonus terms to comply with the 10x wagering limit.
The most significant operational change will involve restructuring systems so each product category maintains independent bonus accounting. This represents a fundamental shift for the industry, and may prompt some operators to seek technical partnerships or mergers.
Operators must also review and modify any remaining mixed-product bonuses before January 2025. Any promotions permitting loss transfers between product categories will be prohibited from 19 January 2025.
The Commission's guidance requires operators to provide all bonus recipients with transparent, voluntary choices about fund allocation, with clear limits across products.
What players should look for in post-reform casino bonuses
Players can expect simplified wagering terms with a maximum 10x playthrough requirement, and no cross-product promotions. Any bonus funds must now be clearly designated for specific product categories, with verifiable terms and no hidden time limits.