What Changed in UK Casino Bonus Rules in January 2026: The 10x Cap and Mixed-Promotion Ban
On 19 January 2026 the Gambling Commission capped wagering at 10x and banned promotions that mix casino and sports. Here is what it means for the offers you see.
The Gambling Commission's changes to Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 took effect on 19 January 2026. They are the biggest change to casino bonuses in a decade and they explain why most UK welcome offers now look different from the ones you may remember.
The two changes
- Wagering on bonus funds is capped at 10x. A £10 bonus cannot require more than £100 of play before winnings can be withdrawn.
- Mixed-product promotions are banned. A single incentive can no longer span, say, sports betting and casino. "Bet £10 on the match, get 50 casino spins" is gone.
Why
The Commission's consultation found that high wagering requirements led to longer, faster and more intense play than consumers planned, and that mixed offers drew people into products they had not chosen. The 10x figure was chosen as the level at which offers remain commercially viable but no longer require weeks of play.
What the changes did not do
- They did not cap maximum-bet rules, expiry periods or maximum-cashout limits.
- They did not standardise game contribution tables.
- They did not touch loyalty schemes or cashback, as long as those are not structured as wagered bonuses.
- They did not reach offshore operators, whose offers still carry 35x–45x requirements and whose sites are not licensed for UK players.
What you will notice
More "no wagering" and "wager-free spins" offers, smaller headline match amounts, more cashback and reload promotions, and clearer significant terms beside each offer. Compare the real value of current offers on our bonuses page, and read how the value formula works in Is a casino bonus worth it?
Source: Gambling Commission, Autumn 2023 consultation response (March 2025) and implementation notice (July 2025). Always check the Commission's site for the current wording.
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Set a budget, never chase losses, and take breaks. If gambling stops being enjoyable, free, confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org, via GAMSTOP self-exclusion, or the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 10x wagering cap start?
19 January 2026. The Commission originally announced 19 December 2025 and moved it back by a month in July 2025.
Does the cap apply to all UK casinos?
It applies to all operators licensed by the Gambling Commission to offer gambling to consumers in Great Britain. It does not apply to offshore sites, which are not legal to use from the UK.
Are free spins covered?
Yes. Winnings from spins given as a bonus cannot carry more than 10x wagering at a UK-licensed site.
What is a mixed-product promotion?
An offer that requires you to use more than one gambling product, for example bet on football to unlock casino spins. These are now banned at UK-licensed operators.