Gambling Commission makes bonus and promotion rules stricter
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced new regulations to make gambling promotions safer and more transparent for consumers. These rules, announced on March 26, 2025, will come into effect on December 19, 2025.
According to the UKGC, the changes are part of a broader effort to reduce gambling-related harm and ensure that players are given clear and accurate information before engaging in promotional offers. The regulator emphasized that misleading or overly complex promotions have contributed to unfair practices and consumer confusion in the past.
Key highlights of the new rules include:
Clearer terms and conditions for promotional offers.
A ban on terms that unfairly restrict customer access to winnings.
Requirements for gambling operators to ensure all promotional materials are transparent and not misleading.
Stricter guidelines around "wagering requirements" to help players better understand the true cost of promotional offers.
UKGC Executive Director Tim Miller stated, “We are committed to raising standards across the gambling industry. These new rules will better protect consumers by ensuring that promotional offers are not used to take advantage of vulnerable players.”
The Commission also noted that these updates follow extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, consumer rights groups, and the public. Operators have been given nearly nine months to update their practices and ensure full compliance by the implementation deadline in December.
This move is the latest in a series of regulatory changes by the UKGC, reflecting an ongoing commitment to creating a safer and more responsible gambling environment in the UK.