UK bonus rules are the licence requirements that limit how licensed gambling operators structure bonus funds and other promotions. From 19 January 2026 two changes apply: wagering requirements on bonus funds are capped at ten times, and promotions that require a customer to play more than one type of gambling are banned. This page covers the rules as regulation only, so that a reader can understand what the licence terms mean. It makes no case for taking any promotion.
Why the Commission acted
The Gambling Commission said the changes would make promotions safer and simpler. Its reasoning rested on two points. Evidence shows that consumers are more at risk of harm when they gamble on multiple products rather than a single product. And complex terms and conditions can confuse customers about what they have to do before they can withdraw.
The Commission also reworded the rewards and bonuses section of its licence conditions and codes of practice, Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1, so that its expectations of operators are clearer.
The 10x wagering cap
A wagering requirement is the number of times bonus funds must be re-staked before winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn. Before the change, some terms set that number very high. The Commission's example is a £10 bonus with a 50 times wagering requirement, which means £500 of play before the winnings can be withdrawn.
The rule now caps the requirement at ten times. On the same £10 that means £100. The Commission's reasons for the cap are that it decreases the likelihood of harm, reduces complexity, improves transparency and still maintains consumer choice. A lower number is allowed. Ten is the ceiling.
The ban on mixed product promotions
A mixed product promotion provides bonus funds on the condition that the customer plays different products, for example betting and playing slots. Licensed businesses are banned from such promotions where the customer has to do two or more types of gambling. The Commission's concern is that the combination increases harm and that the terms are harder to understand.
The date
The Commission announced that all the changes come into force on 19 January 2026. The first announcement named 19 December 2025, and the date was later changed to 19 January 2026. If you are reading terms that quote either date, check which version of the terms is current.
What this means when reading terms
On a UKGC licensed site, these rules apply whichever brand you use, because they are conditions of the licence. A short check list helps when reading the terms of any promotion:
- Find the wagering figure and check that it is no higher than ten times.
- Check what the figure applies to: the bonus funds, or deposit and bonus together.
- Check whether the promotion asks for play across more than one type of gambling.
- Note any time limit, game limit or maximum win, as these are set by the operator.
The Commission's rules set limits, not a full list of terms. A promotion can follow them and still be poor value or unsuitable for someone who is struggling to control their spending. The licensed-side stake limits and affordability checks pages cover related protections.
In short
Two rules, one date. Wagering requirements on bonus funds cannot exceed ten times. Promotions cannot require play across two or more types of gambling. Both apply to UKGC licensed operators from 19 January 2026, and both exist to reduce harm and confusion. They do not tell a player whether any promotion is suitable, and they do not apply outside the UK licensing system.
Advertising and complaints
The Advertising Standards Authority regulates how gambling promotions are advertised under the CAP Code, and its rulings are published at asa.org.uk. The Commission's rules govern the licence terms themselves. A player with a dispute about how a promotion was applied should follow the complaint route in the trust and safety page: the operator first, then an approved ADR provider.
Outside the UK system
A casino with no UKGC licence is not bound by the cap or the ban. Searches such as casinos not on GAMSTOP often come from people who dislike these rules, and a site can set wagering at any level its own regulator allows. Playing there is not an offence for the player, since the Gambling Act 2005 section 33 offence is committed by the operator. A UK player still loses the UKGC complaint route and ADR, the GAMSTOP self-exclusion check, the stake limits and the affordability checks, so a dispute over terms may have no independent route at all.
For how to confirm whether a site is licensed, use the licence check guide. The wider list of protections is on the GAMSTOP page and the trust and safety page.
The source for the rules is the Commission's news item, gambling promotions to be safer and simpler.
Gambling help
Gambling is for people aged 18 and over. The GamCare National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133 and open 24 hours, with more at GamCare. If you want your online accounts blocked, GAMSTOP is the national scheme, and BeGambleAware provides advice and tools.