New Bonus Rules from January 19 (2026)

On January 19, 2026, new comprehensive regulations for gambling promotions came into effect in the United Kingdom. The Gambling Commission has implemented the biggest overhaul of casino bonuses in years. Here's what you need to know as a player.

The Main Changes

Wagering Requirements Capped at 10x

The most important change for casino players is that all bonuses are now limited to a maximum of 10x wagering requirements. Previously, operators could demand 40x, 50x, or even higher.

What does this mean in practice?

• Before: A £50 bonus with 50x wagering required you to wager £2,500 before you could withdraw your winnings
• After: The same £50 bonus with 10x wagering now only requires £500 in gameplay

This means you'll access your bonus winnings much faster, and it's far simpler to understand what a bonus is actually worth.

Mixed Product Offers Banned

Operators can no longer combine different types of gambling in a single bonus. You won't see offers like:

• "Bet £10 on sports, get 20 free spins on slots"
• "Play live casino, receive sports bonuses"

Each bonus is now tied to one specific gambling type. Sports bonuses are only for sports, casino bonuses only for casino games.

If an operator offers a generic "credit" that you can choose how to use, this is still allowed.

Better Transparency in Terms

All key terms must now be presented clearly and simply before you register. Operators must clearly state:

• Exact wagering requirements in monetary amounts (not just multipliers)
• Time limits to complete the bonus
• Which games count or are excluded
• Maximum withdrawals from bonus winnings

What This Means for You as a Player

Positive Changes

• ✓ Easier bonus comparison – With standardized 10x wagering, it's much simpler to see which bonuses are actually worth the most
• ✓ Less misleading offers – You can't get caught in complex terms requiring far more play than you understood
• ✓ Faster access to your money – Lower wagering requirements mean you can withdraw your winnings much more quickly
• ✓ Clearer information – All terms are presented upfront in simple language

What Casinos Are Doing Instead

Since bonuses are less attractive now, expect to see:

• Larger welcome bonuses – Casinos can offer bigger initial bonuses to compete
• More free spins campaigns – Special free spins offers will become more common
• Loyalty rewards – Weekly or monthly bonuses for returning players
• Price boosts and enhanced odds – Sportsbooks will increase use of price boosts

The Transition

This change was implemented on January 19, 2026. All licensed UK operators must already be following these rules now, so the casinos you visit should already be using the new terms.

More Changes Coming Later in 2026

This isn't the end of the reforms. Later this year:

• June 30, 2026: New rules for deposit limits come into effect, making it clearer how much you can deposit

• April 1, 2026: A major tax increase on online casinos (Remote Gaming Duty rises from 21% to 40%), which may affect bonuses and odds going forward

Conclusion

The new rules are designed to protect you as a player by making bonuses simpler to understand and less exploitative. While bonuses may technically be less generous on paper, they're far more transparent and honest.

As a player, you can now:

• Trust that terms are fair and standardized
• Compare bonuses in a meaningful way
• Avoid surprises when you try to withdraw your winnings

If you're a regular at UK casinos, this change should actually make your experience safer and more transparent