The UK Gambling Commission is rolling out a series of significant regulatory changes that will reshape the online gambling market from January 19th, 2026, with bingo and online slots among the most affected sectors. The reforms, which stem from the government’s Gambling Act review, are designed to reduce gambling-related harm and make promotions easier for players to understand.
The new rules include a ban on mixed-product bonuses, limits on wagering requirements and tighter controls on online slots stakes. Regulators say the changes are long overdue, while parts of the gambling industry warn of unintended consequences.
Why the Gambling Commission is changing the rules
The Commission has repeatedly raised concerns that complex promotions and high wagering requirements can confuse players and encourage risky gambling behaviour. Mixed-product bonuses, which require customers to bet across multiple gambling products such as sports betting, slots and bingo, have been singled out as particularly problematic.
A Gambling Commission spokesperson said:
“We want consumers to be able to understand exactly what is being offered to them and how much they need to gamble before they can withdraw any winnings. These changes are about clarity, fairness, and consumer protection.”
Under the new framework, operators will only be allowed to offer bonuses linked to a single gambling product. Wagering requirements on bonuses will also be capped at 10 times the bonus amount, a major reduction from the higher rollover requirements previously seen on some sites.
What will change for bingo and slots players?
For UK bingo players, the most noticeable difference will be the disappearance of promotions that combine bingo tickets with free spins or online casino bonuses. Slots players will also see simpler bonus terms and, from 2026, lower maximum stake limits.
The government has confirmed that online slot stakes will be capped at £5 per spin for most adults, with a lower £2 limit for players aged 18 to 24. Ministers say younger adults are at higher risk of gambling harm and need additional protection.
Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross said:
“These limits are targeted at those most at risk of harm, while still allowing adults to enjoy gambling as a leisure activity in a safer environment.”
Industry reaction and concerns
The gambling industry has broadly accepted the need for reform but has raised concerns about how the changes will affect revenues, jobs, and the competitiveness of the regulated market. Some operators argue that fewer promotions and lower stakes could drive players to unlicensed and unregulated offshore sites.
A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council said:
“Our members support evidence-led regulation, but it’s vital that new rules do not push customers towards the unsafe black market, where there are no protections or safeguards.”
Political pressure has also increased on the Treasury to consider higher taxes on gambling profits, a move the industry says could further strain operators already adapting to regulatory change.
Highlights: What players need to know
• Mixed-product bonuses will be banned
• Bonus wagering requirements capped at 10x
• Online slot stakes limited to £5, or £2 for 18–24s
• Clearer, simpler promotions across bingo and casino
• New rules take full effect from January 19th, 2026
What happens next?
UK bingo and casino operators are already updating terms and conditions and reworking promotional strategies ahead of the January 19th deadline. The Gambling Commission has said it will closely monitor compliance and assess whether further intervention is needed.
For players, particularly those who enjoy online bingo and slots, the changes are expected to result in fewer but clearer offers, lower financial risk per spin, and greater transparency around bonuses. Whether the reforms strike the right balance between consumer protection and industry sustainability will become more evident once the new rules are fully in place.
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