UKGC adds new LCCP rules for consumer controls & fund protections

Paul Scully: UK analysing Australian advertising example in fight against gambling harms
Image: Shutterstock

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is introducing stricter controls to enhance transparency and consumer protection in online gambling. Effective 31 October 2025, these new rules will require operators to enforce deposit limits, improve spending visibility, and ensure transparency on customer fund protection.

Mandatory Deposit Limits and Spending Reviews

From 31 October, all online gambling operators must require customers to set financial limits before making their first deposit. Operators must also simplify how customers review and adjust their spending.

“Recent changes by some operators in how deposit limits are offered have caused confusion,” the Commission stated. “To address this, we will launch a short consultation to ensure consistency and transparency in how financial limits work.”

Additionally, online operators must remind customers every six months to review their financial limits and transaction history.

Transparency on Customer Fund Protection

Operators must clearly inform customers about the level of protection for their funds in case of insolvency. The UKGC mandates that operators categorize protection levels as: ‘not protected – no segregation,’ ‘not protected – segregation of customer funds,’ ‘medium protection,’ or ‘high protection.’

Customers must receive this information when making their first deposit, and operators providing no protection must remind customers every six months.

“There is no legal duty for gambling operators to protect customer funds in the event of insolvency, though many do so voluntarily,” the Commission cited. “These changes will help consumers make informed decisions about where they gamble.”

Implementation of New RET Levy

The UKGC will phase out its existing LCCP duty requiring operators to contribute annually to research, prevention, and treatment (RET) of problem gambling. Instead, a new mandatory RET Levy, managed by the NHS, will be introduced from 1 April.

All online licensed operators must contribute 1.1% of their Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) towards RET funding. Operators earning under £500,000 will be exempt. The government will formally review the levy system within five years, with the first review set for 2030.

“We are committed to ensuring gambling remains fair and open by improving consumer empowerment and choice,” said Tim Miller, UKGC Executive Director for Research and Policy. “These changes will help customers set deposit limits, track their spending, and understand what happens to their funds if an operator fails.”

The UKGC will notify licensees of further details as the Parliamentary process finalizes the RET Levy framework.

With these reforms, the UKGC continues its commitment to modernizing gambling regulations in the digital age, prioritizing consumer protection and responsible gaming.