BGC AGM meeting 2025: Baroness Twycross confirms new slot limit will take force in May and April

At the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) annual general meeting (AGM) 2025, the minister for gambling - Baroness Twycross - addressed a few things, including the new levy implementation as well as the new gambling law going into effect as of April & May.

The meeting took place on Thursday 27 February and within her speech, Twycross firstly addressed the statutory gambling levy. She confirmed that as of 25 February the act became law and will come into force on 6 April, with operators set to make their first levy payments by 1 October.

Previously the gambling levy operated in a voluntary system, however it has now been made mandatory. The levy will go towards supporting research, prevention and treatment services to those who suffer from gambling addiction. 

Twycross stated in her speech: “We are working at pace with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England, UK research and innovation, and with partners in Scotland and Wales, to build robust foundations for the future system.”

She expanded on why the Government made the transition from a voluntary levy to a compulsory one: “We want to build on the successes of the current system. But the levy will mean funding certainty. This will allow the expert bodies we have appointed to boost efforts to further understand, tackle, and treat gambling harm. We and the commissioning bodies will be led by the best evidence to get funding where it is needed most.” 

As for the new white paper implementations, online slot stake limits will be put into place as of 9 April and 21 May. A £5 limit will be put into force for over 25s as of April, and a maximum limit of £2 for those under 25 will be actioned by May.

Twycross also mentioned that the Government are looking to modernise regulations for land-based casinos by adding sports betting in casinos, like the States, as well as smaller casinos being able to benefit from offering more machines. These rules are being implemented as part of a strategy to increase investment in the brick and mortar casino sector, providing an economic boost for land-based casinos and machine manufacturers.

Another element that was mentioned was gambling advertisements and what can be done to make sure that gambling advertisements and sponsorships are more appropriate and responsible, stating: “I am keen for the industry to take the lead in making a robust assessment of the scale and impacts of advertising, so that we are working with the best available evidence.”

She rounded up her speech by discussing the black market activity in the gambling industry and how over-regulation in the legal industry can lead to risks or an increase in the size of black market gambling. On Tuesday 25 February, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced to Parliament. One of the provisions in this Bill will give the commission stronger powers to take down IP addresses and domain names associated with illegal websites. 

Twycross clarified: “I agree that vigilance is vital when the illegal market threatens revenue for the licensed sector and player protections for vulnerable customers. That is why I have been pleased that the Gambling Commission has increased disruption activity and has a renewed focus on finding innovative ways to tackle the illegal market.”

To learn more, visit our responsible gambling at casinos page which also offers resources and advice on where to seek help if needed.