As the UK’s government proceeds with the white paper gambling reforms, betting lovers raise their voices to get more flexibility in their favourite entertainment. The UKGC, the state’s primary regulatory authority, has already released a set of rules, including bet and bonus restrictions. The latest reports from the Betting and Gaming Council indicate that approximately 62% of users are dissatisfied with the latest amendments and want restrictions. Instead, a balanced approach that protects vulnerable customers and does not limit the freedom of responsible gamblers should be implemented.

UKGC’s Latest Changes in the Gambling Sector

The country has a well-developed iGaming sector, and the government and regulatory bodies aim to strengthen control over the industry to prevent compulsive problems among the population. On the one hand, this approach promotes responsible habits and boosts overall well-being. On the contrary, bettors are dissatisfied with the growing number of restrictions and constant authority intervention in this activity.

This motivates them to seek alternatives for British-licensed platforms, and many opt for no-verification casinos at NonGamStopBookmakers.net beyond the country’s borders. In this case, punters don’t fall under the latest UKGC limitations, including the following:

• Stake limits. This law will come into force on May 21st: individuals aged 18-24 won’t be able to bet over £2 per spin. Bettors over 25 will also face restrictions, implying they can wager no more than £5.
• Financial assessments. From January 2025, every user engaging in betting must provide their statements as part of the verification procedure, and operators will evaluate their affordability and set appropriate limits.
• Bonus restrictions. From December 2025, UK-based casinos and sportsbooks will be prohibited from offering promotions that require playing multiple games to meet the wager. In addition, the wagering requirement shouldn’t exceed 10x the bet.
• Changes in game design. According to the UKGC, fast-paced slots provoke overspending, and the new rules imply that a spin must have a minimum speed of five seconds.

All these amendments were initiated to prevent gambling-related problems among British residents. The integration of self-exclusion in 2018 was the first step towards promoting a responsible approach to this risky activity, and GamStop has shown efficiency in the country’s market. Over 80% of users reported improved conditions after participating in the program. Still, many punters prefer to avoid the mandatory blocker and search for ways to get around this tool, often turning to casinos not on GamStop that operate outside the UKGC’s oversight. This growing trend highlights the need for broader awareness and alternative safeguards across all gambling platforms.

What the Survey Says

From December 2025, UK-based online sportsbooks will offer limited bonuses to British punters, and over 80% of people surveyed are confident it’s not the best idea. The majority of people engaged in online betting would be happy if digital bookmakers could offer higher promotions like free bets and spins. 54% also claim that bonus restrictions will drive adrenaline seekers to unregulated markets, which can negatively affect in-country operators.

Michael Dugher, the CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, supports this opinion. He states that the market is highly competitive in 2025, and promotions are among the main ways for service providers to stand out. Recent industry insights further highlight how bonus limitations may disrupt market dynamics and reduce the appeal of regulated platforms. He also mentions that problem gambling rates in the UK are low compared to other countries, and stricter limitations are unnecessary.

Why Restrictions Can Bring the Opposite Result

The UK Gambling Commission aims to decrease the harmful impact of uncontrolled betting on the state’s population and encourage users to stick to safer gambling practices. Some experts are concerned about this decision. It’s a good solution to maintain people’s well-being, but it can still end up in a boost in black markets’ popularity.

Currently, many British punters find alternatives for UK bookmakers with strengthened regulations and prefer overseas betting sites. Gamblers enjoy the flexibility in bet sizes and bonuses. Offshore-licensed sportsbooks are not limited in the UK, so bettors have a massive choice.

Discovering Ways to Balance Responsibility and Freedom

The fast-developing gambling sector is a concern for the regulatory authority, as it should find a way to prevent vulnerable individuals from struggling with compulsive disorders, while still providing responsible players with more freedom. A personalised approach is a way out of this dilemma. The growing role of AI in betting can help operators analyse punters’ actions and provide each user with specific limitations. Additionally, social media promotes responsible gambling by raising awareness, sharing educational content, and directing users toward support resources—complementing regulatory and technological efforts.

Currently, GamStop self-exclusion bans players according to their spending and time on the website, while it should pay attention to various factors affecting user behaviours. Promoting initiatives that teach users how to bet responsibly alongside these tools can support both regulators and operators in creating a safer betting environment. Artificial Intelligence can help bookmakers identify potentially problematic website members and set personalised restrictions. The same system can work with promotions so that users sticking to responsible gambling practices won’t be forced to seek higher incentives on non-UK platforms

Final Insight

The UK’s iGaming industry has already undergone multiple transformations, and upcoming restrictions are controversial. Bet limitations and bonus restrictions aim to decrease compulsive gambling rates, but the majority of bettors claim these changes are unnecessary. Punters want to enjoy more promotions when entering an online sportsbook, and limitations can result in the evolution of black markets. On the contrary, the government should maintain the balance and use personalisation techniques to help each user master budgeting and know how to remain responsible.