UK Looks To Relax Retail Casino Restrictions To Compete With iGaming Growth

In a bid to rejuvenate the land-based gambling sector amidst the growing dominance of online platforms, the UK government has launched a comprehensive overhaul of regulations governing casinos, bingo halls, and arcades.

This initiative, led by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society Stuart Andrew, seeks to modernize an industry constrained by outdated frameworks and adapt it to technological and consumer trends.

Stuart Andrew stressed the importance of aligning rules with modern developments, emphasizing flexibility and responsible gaming. The government’s statement to lawmakers outlined intentions to streamline and liberalize regulations, ensuring that traditional gambling venues can remain competitive and sustainable.

Key elements of the reform include:

• Lifting the ban on direct debit card payments for gaming machines, reflecting the growing consumer shift toward cashless transactions.

• Introducing enhanced player protection measures to support responsible gambling and safeguard vulnerable players.

• Allowing casinos, bingo halls, and arcades to expand their gaming machine offerings and introduce more high-stake options.

Additional proposals include a 15% increase in the maximum cap on fees for gambling premises licenses—the first such adjustment since 2007—to strengthen local authorities’ ability to manage and enforce regulations effectively.

The broader objectives of the reform are to:

• Reinforce the resilience and competitiveness of the land-based sector.

• Align regulations with current consumer expectations and market realities.

• Foster a balanced environment that supports both business growth and harm prevention.

These reforms complement existing online gambling measures, such as stake limits and affordability checks, underscoring the government’s unified strategy for reducing gambling-related harm across all channels.

The UK government’s overhaul represents a pivotal step toward revitalizing land-based gambling while ensuring the sector remains responsible, competitive, and aligned with modern consumer behaviors.