New deposit limit rules now apply at every UK slot site
Since 30 September 2026, every online casino licensed by the Gambling Commission has had to follow new rules on deposit limits. The change sounds technical, but it matters: a “deposit limit” now means one thing everywhere, and casinos must make it as easy to find as any other spending control.
By the Best Slots UK team. Published .
Key points
- The second phase of the Commission’s rules on financial limits took effect on 30 September 2026.
- Every remote operator must offer gross deposit limits to all customers, and reinstate them where removed.
- Only a gross limit, the total you pay in over a period, may be called a “deposit limit”.
- Gross limits must be at least as prominent as net, loss or stake limits.
- The deadline was moved from 30 June to give operators time for technical work.
| In force | 30 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Original date | 30 June 2026 |
| Applies to | All UKGC remote operators |
| Key term | Gross deposit limit |
| Phase 1 | October 2025 |
What changed
The Commission introduced the first phase of improved spending tools through its Remote Technical Standards in October 2025. The second phase was due on 30 June 2026, but after operators said some third-party platforms needed more development time, the Commission extended it to 30 September. From that date, operators must offer gross deposit limits to every customer, put them back where they had been removed, and use the words “deposit limit” only for gross limits.
A gross deposit limit counts every pound you pay in over a fixed period, regardless of what you win or withdraw. Some sites previously offered “net” limits, which subtract withdrawals and can let you keep depositing after a win. Those can still exist, but they cannot be called deposit limits and cannot be given more prominence than the gross version.
What you will notice
You should find deposit limit settings reachable from the homepage and from deposit screens, and you can choose a daily, weekly or monthly figure. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising one is subject to a cooling-off period at licensed sites. Unlicensed sites have no such obligations, one reason the Commission’s new research flags their risks.
How to set a sensible limit for slots
- Decide what you can afford to lose in a month without it affecting bills or savings.
- Set that as a monthly gross deposit limit before your first deposit.
- Add a session time reminder; slots are fast, and a £1 spin every few seconds adds up.
- Treat any win as a bonus, not a reason to raise the limit.
Our budgeting for slots guide shows the maths, and the safer gambling page lists free support, including GAMSTOP and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gross deposit limit?
The maximum total you can pay into your casino account over a set period, whatever you win or withdraw. Since 30 September 2026 only this type can be called a deposit limit.
Do I have to set a deposit limit?
UK-licensed casinos must offer and prominently display deposit limits. Setting one is strongly recommended and takes a minute in your account settings.
Can I raise my deposit limit straight away?
No. Decreases apply immediately, but increases are subject to a cooling-off period at UK-licensed sites.
Related pages
Sources
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