The Gambling Commission licence
The Gambling Act 2005 sets the legal framework, and the Gambling Commission enforces it. Only operators licensed by the Commission may offer online gambling to people in Great Britain. A licensed site shows its licence number in the footer, and you can check it against the public register on the Gambling Commission website. If a site serving British players has no Commission licence, it is operating outside the law and none of the protections below apply.
Age and identity checks
You must be 18 or over to gamble. Licensed operators must verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play, not only when you withdraw.
Online slot stake limits
Since 9 April 2025, the maximum stake per spin on online slots is £5 for players aged 25 and over. Since 21 May 2025, players aged 18 to 24 are limited to £2 per spin. The limits apply to online slots only, not to games such as roulette or blackjack.
Bonus wagering capped at 10x
From 19 January 2026, licensed operators may not set wagering requirements above 10 times the bonus amount. Bonuses that mix different products, for example casino and sports betting in one offer, are no longer allowed. For a full explanation of how wagering works, read our wagering requirements guide.
Payments
Credit cards cannot be used to gamble with licensed operators. Debit cards, bank transfers and e-wallets are the usual payment options.
GAMSTOP self-exclusion
GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from every online gambling site licensed in Great Britain for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Licensed operators are required to take part, so one registration covers all of them.
Are winnings taxed?
Gambling winnings are not taxed for players in the UK. Operators pay gambling duties instead.
Where to get help
- National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare): 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day
- GAMSTOP: free online self-exclusion at gamstop.co.uk
- Our responsible gambling page lists further tools and international support