Back in July, the UK government announced that the voting age in elections would be reduced to just 16.
It solidifies the notion that young people are able to think critically and make important decisions that will, in some way, impact them on a local and national level.
It’s a surprise then that the same government believes that young people aged 18-24 need extra protection when it comes to online slot gaming, introducing new stake limits as of May 2025.
There is evidence that suggests that people in the age range are more susceptible to problem gambling behaviours, however, and it’s vital that players of all ages have the chance to gamble responsibly.
But are these 18‑24 stake rules unfair? Do they not give young people enough credit that they would be able to budget appropriately and bet responsibly? Or should the government ‘follow the science’ on this emotive issue?
What are the New Slot Stake Limits?
Rumoured for a long time, the UK government finally rolled out their slot stake limits earlier this year.
They were set at £2 per spin for 18-24-year-olds and £5 per spin for those aged 25+… as documented in our comprehensive guide to the matter: the Real Impact of 2025 Stake Limits by Age on Winnings and Session Duration.
Unsurprisingly, these new rules were not met with universal acclaim – in fact, the UK is one of the few countries on the planet that has such age-based limits in gambling. In other nations, you’re either an adult – the minimum age may be 18 or 21 – or you’re not.
The government is, in essence, discriminating against those aged between 18 to 24… who, no wonder, feel unfairly targeted.
Of course, there are arguments to support the government’s stance, too…
The Arguments For and Against Age-Based Slot Limits
The fairness of the regulations can be questioned from an age discrimination standpoint.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals that everyone should be protected from age discrimination via the Equality Act, which includes ‘when you use businesses and other organisations that provide services and goods.’
Such as an online casino, for example.
The Equality Act also decrees that people shouldn’t be discriminated against because ‘you are (or are not) a certain age or in a certain age group.’ What’s more, a government – through their legislation – can breach the Equality Act and be guilty of age discrimination.
But we have to look at all arguments from both sides. And there is scientific evidence to suggest that people aged 18-24 can be more susceptible to problem gambling triggers than older age groups.
There is scientific evidence to suggest that cognitive function is still developing in those in this age bracket, who cannot always process emotion and rationality as easily as older groups.
And a Gambling Commission survey of 18-24-year-olds found that more than half had wagered more than they could afford to lose, with 36% of the respondents revealing that they had to borrow money or sell possessions in order to meet their financial obligations elsewhere having overspent on gambling.
So, there’s an argument that says the government is simply moving to protect the most vulnerable of 18 to 24-year-olds from the perils of irresponsible gambling.
UK Breaks New Ground
It would be good to offer some kind of comparison or case study which shows the effectiveness of this ‘two tier’ stake limit policy.
However, we can’t… as no other country has instigated separate stake limits for different age groups.
Other countries have implemented stake limits, which range from the ultra-stringent – a €1 limit per spin in Germany, for example, equates to just 87 pence per turn – to rather more relaxed rules in North America.
But none have lower limits for younger age groups than their more senior counterparts. In other countries, the only age modification is whether you are old enough to gamble legally… if you are, the stake limits are the same, whether you are 18 or 80.
Perhaps the UK will prove to be a trendsetter in this regard… or maybe other nations will simply carry on as normal.
A Different Way
Are stake limits the best way to protect this potentially more vulnerable age range?
Some would argue that mandatory deposit limits would be a more effective technique. That way, the individual player has full autonomy on how they stake in their chosen games… but won’t be allowed to spend a penny more than their set limit.
Alternatively, how about returning to an ‘open’ staking system, but slowing down the pace of slot games? Scientists that research problem gambling have often found that speed of play contributes to addictive behaviours – the faster the gameplay, the greater the possibility of players chasing losses or spinning the reels almost on auto pilot.
By slowing down slots to a spin per five seconds, say, players will have more time to reflect, make better decisions and allow for calm logic to overtake frantic button bashing.
