Key takeaways
- £5 a spin for players aged 25 and over.
- £2 a spin for players aged 18 to 24.
- The limits cover online slots only, not roulette, blackjack or other casino games.
- They apply at every UK-licensed casino and to every spin, including bonus play.
The limits
The government confirmed stake limits for online slots after consulting in 2023. They're set out in regulations made under the Gambling Act 2005 and enforced by the Gambling Commission as a licence condition. Players aged 25 and over can stake up to £5 per game cycle. Players aged 18 to 24 can stake up to £2.
What counts as a stake
A stake is the total you pay or risk on one game cycle, which on a slot usually means one spin. The limit applies to the whole spin, not to each payline. You aren't asked to stake any extra money mid-spin, so features within a spin don't add to it.
Which games are covered
The limits apply to online slots only. Other casino games, such as roulette, blackjack and live dealer games, aren't covered by the slot stake limit. Bingo, lottery and sports betting aren't covered either.
Why there are two limits
The lower £2 limit for 18 to 24-year-olds reflects evidence that younger adults can be more vulnerable to gambling harm. Casinos use your verified date of birth to apply the right limit. If an operator can't apply age-specific limits, it can apply the £2 limit to everyone.
How it affects bonuses
Bonus play counts too. Even if a casino's bonus terms allow a higher bet, the legal limit takes priority. Free spins are set by the casino, usually at 10p, well within both limits. See current offers on our free spins page or compare UK slot sites.
Need help?
If gambling is causing you problems, the National Gambling Helpline is free and open 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. You can also self-exclude from every UK-licensed online casino at once through GAMSTOP. See our responsible gambling page for more support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum bet on slots in the UK?
£5 a spin if you're 25 or over, and £2 a spin if you're 18 to 24.
Do stake limits apply to roulette?
No. The limits apply to online slots only.
Do stake limits apply in land-based casinos?
These limits are for online slots. Gaming machines in venues have their own separate stake rules.