UK Casino Bonus Rules 2026: The 10x Cap Explained

Key takeaways

Wagering is capped at 10 times the bonus.
One offer can't require play across more than one product, such as betting and slots.
Both rules apply to every UK-licensed operator from 19 January 2026.
Choosing which product to use a reward on is still allowed.

Rule one: wagering capped at 10x

UK-licensed casinos can no longer ask you to play through bonus funds more than 10 times before you can withdraw winnings. The Gambling Commission's reasoning was that very high wagering confused players and encouraged them to gamble for longer, and faster, than they intended. Its example: a £10 bonus with 50x wagering meant £500 of play. At 10x, it's £100.

Operators are also reminded that wagering should apply only to bonus funds and be stated clearly in the offer's significant terms. Our wagering requirements guide shows how to work it out.

Rule two: no mixed-product promotions

A mixed-product promotion gives a reward on the condition that you play more than one type of gambling product: for example, "bet £10 on football, get 50 casino spins". These are now banned. The Commission's evidence was that people who gamble across several products face higher risk of harm, and that the terms of these offers were often confusing.

The ban covers combinations of betting, casino, bingo and lottery. Legal commentators read it as not covering an offer that simply lets you choose which product to use a reward on. In practice, casino welcome offers now ask you to play casino games only, and betting offers give free bets only.

When the rules started

The Commission originally announced 19 December 2025 as the start date, then moved it to 19 January 2026. Every offer we list has been checked against both rules.

How UK casino rules have tightened

April 2020Credit cards bannedFor all gambling in Great Britain.
April 2025£5 slot stake capFor players aged 25 and over.
May 2025£2 slot stake capFor players aged 18 to 24.
31 Oct 2025Limit promptSet a financial limit before your first deposit.
19 Jan 202610x cap and no mixed offersFor every UK-licensed operator.
30 Jun 2026Deposit limit definedOnly limits on money paid in.

What it means for you

Casino bonuses are simpler, with more realistic wagering.
"Bet and get" cross-sell deals between sports and casino have gone.
No-wagering offers are easier to compare, because wagered offers can't go above 10x.
Deadlines, game restrictions and deposit exclusions still apply, so terms are still worth reading.

Other rules that protect UK players

£5

Slot stake cap

£2 if you're 18 to 24. Read more

Credit cards

Banned for gambling since April 2020.

1st

Limit before deposit

You're prompted to set one. Read more

All of these apply only to casinos licensed for Great Britain, which is why we never list offshore sites. Check any casino with our licence checking guide.

Sources and checks

Checked 3 October 2026 by Ryan Jessop. Offer terms were read on each casino's promotion pages; licences were confirmed on the Gambling Commission register.

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

When did the 10x wagering cap start?

19 January 2026, for all UK-licensed operators.

Are sports and casino combined offers banned?

Yes. Since 19 January 2026 an offer can't require play on more than one gambling product.

Does the cap apply to free spins?

It applies to wagering on any bonus. Many free spins offers have no wagering at all.