UK rules for casino apps
A casino app in Great Britain is bound by the same rules as the website behind it. These are the ones you will notice.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Only UKGC-licensed operators may offer casino apps to people in Great Britain.
- Slot stakes are capped at £5, or £2 for ages 18 to 24.
- Bonus wagering is capped at 10x.
- Credit cards are banned, including through phone wallets.
The rules in order
- April 2020Credit cards banned for gambling.
- 2021Online slots lose autoplay and must take at least 2.5 seconds a spin.
- April 2025Slot stakes capped at £5 a spin for players aged 25 and over.
- May 2025Slot stakes capped at £2 a spin for ages 18 to 24.
- 19 January 2026Bonus wagering capped at 10x; promotions can no longer span two products.
What this means in an app
| Rule | What you see |
|---|---|
| Licensing | A UKGC account number in the app's footer or About screen |
| Age and identity | Verification before you can play or use demos |
| Location | A location check each session |
| Slot stakes | Stake selector stops at £5, or £2 if you are 18 to 24 |
| Spin speed | No turbo; no autoplay button |
| Bonus buy | No buy-feature button on slots |
| Bonuses | Wagering never above 10x; terms shown with the offer |
| Payments | Credit cards declined |
| Self-exclusion | GAMSTOP applies across all licensed apps |
Unfamiliar terms are defined in the casino app glossary.
App store rules
Apple and Google both require real-money gambling apps to be licensed in the countries where they are offered and restricted to those countries. That is why UK casino apps appear only in the UK stores and check your location.
What the stake cap does not cover
The £5 and £2 limits apply to online slots. Live casino and table games set their own limits. See live casino apps.
One app, several products
Apps such as 10bet's cover sport and casino. A promotion cannot require you to use both, so each welcome offer belongs to one product and you usually choose between them.
Unlicensed apps
Apps from operators without a UK licence advertise what the rules remove: bonus buys, higher stakes, credit cards, no checks. They also remove every protection. See app safety, and only use licensed apps.
Play safely
An app puts a casino in your pocket all day. Set a deposit limit when you install it, switch on session reminders, and treat every deposit as money spent. Free, confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Our safer gambling page lists the tools and services.
Frequently asked questions
Are casino apps legal in the UK?
Yes, from operators licensed by the Gambling Commission.
What is the maximum slot stake in an app?
£5, or £2 for ages 18 to 24.
Can I use a credit card in a casino app?
No.
Why is there no autoplay?
It is not permitted on online slots in Britain.