Public supports £2 stake limits on online slots

A new survey shows the British public support implementing a £2 stake limit on online casino slot games, meaning most people would like the Government to introduce stricter safety measures.

The Gambling Health Alliance (GHA) and Yonder surveyed 2,094 UK adults in February and found only 8% of gamblers and 5% of non-gamblers would oppose a £2 limit for online slots. 

Stake limits have been a widely spoken-about subject in the Government’s review of the current legislation on gambling, as it is considered that imposing a rule that limits how much players can bet at one time would give people better control over their spending. So far, no other country has enforced this rule, so there is no evidence to prove it. 

Online casinos have soared in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic as lockdowns and the cancellation of sporting events have led gamblers to search for online versions of their favourite entertainment. 

The review of the 2005 Gambling Act was set into motion late last year when the minimum age you can play the national lottery increased to 18. The GHA poll found the majority, some 57% of gamblers and 63% of non-gamblers, would also support a ban on all gambling for under-18s, who are currently able to access low-stake fruit machines, coin pushers and crane grabs.

The GHA said its polling suggested there was a public appetite for the Government to take a public health approach in its current review to protect the whole population from gambling harm.

A consultation on the review led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is due to end this month and will be led by John Whittingdale.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of campaign group Clean Up Gambling, said: “Public support for gambling reform is overwhelming. It’s one of the few issues uniting the country across political, demographic and regional lines.

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