Over the last few years, it has become glaringly obvious that the Gambling Commission’s entire approach to regulation is not only flawed, but actively damaging to certain groups of players. At the 10p Gamer channel, it is incredibly important to us that responsible gambling values are upheld. However, we believe the Commission has gone too far with several regulatory decisions, and in doing so has destroyed the fun for people who simply want to enjoy spinning slots at low stakes.
Despite good intentions, many of the current rules create more frustration than protection. There are several changes that could be made to make UK gambling more enjoyable, all while maintaining – and in some cases improving – responsible gambling outcomes.
Key Changes That Would Improve UK Gambling Without Increasing Harm
1. Remove the Ban on Autoplay
The ban on autoplay has been harmful, especially on live games. Removing this option increases the likelihood that players become bored or frustrated, which in turn can push them towards increasing their bets unnecessarily.
2. Reduce the 5-Second Spin Delay
The mandatory five-second delay between spins is another policy that has backfired. Instead of reducing harm, it actually makes people more impatient and more likely to raise their stakes just to avoid the tedious slowdown.
3. Increase Protections Against Rogue Casinos
There needs to be far stronger action against dodgy operators who seize player funds without a provable reason and face no meaningful consequences. Real consumer protection should be a higher priority than micromanaging spin speeds.
4. Base Stake Limits on Income, Not Age
The logic behind stake limits makes little sense. Maximum bets should be determined by affordability and income – not by age alone. Setting limits based purely on age is inconsistent, unfair, and ignores the actual risks.
5. Introduce a Minimum RTP of 90% on Online Slots
It is astonishing that in 2025, the Gambling Commission still hasn’t set a legal minimum RTP for online slots. Physical machines have had a 75% minimum for years. Online players deserve at least a 90% minimum RTP to ensure games aren’t needlessly predatory.
6. Require Lower Stake Options Across All Games
Operators should be required to offer genuinely low-stake options, with minimum bets starting at 1p for every game. Too many providers structure their games to force higher stakes, and regulation should protect players from this kind of design.
7. Stop Operators From Weaponising “Responsible Gambling”
Another serious issue is the tactic some casino operators use to silence or punish players who raise legitimate complaints about poor practices and service. Instead of addressing customer concerns, these operators misuse “responsible gambling” procedures to ban or restrict players simply for speaking up. I have seen this first-hand, and it’s a dirty, manipulative tactic designed to stifle complaints about service or unfair practices. This behaviour goes completely unchecked, and the Gambling Commission needs to put an end to it.
Why These Changes Are Necessary
From first-hand experience, the ban on autoplay and the spin delay have caused more harm than good. By making gameplay more tedious, these rules unintentionally push people into bigger bets. That is the opposite of responsible gambling.
I actually agree with the idea behind the maximum stake limits introduced earlier this year, but the way they were applied makes no sense. Imagine if pubs limited how many beers you can have based on your age instead of how drunk you are… It’s completely illogical.
Sometimes it feels as though the rules are designed not to protect players, but to line casino pockets. In fact, casinos themselves have admitted this. For certain changes introduced by the Gambling Commission, operators explicitly warned (as noted in the white paper) that the new rules would make them more money.
That alone should make the Commission stop and reconsider what “player protection” really means.