UK bonus crackdown now live - and Spain may be next: What casino players should know
The regulatory legislative procedure has the possibility to lead to changes for certain people
Image: Joachim Schnürle/Unsplash
Casino bonus culture in the UK has undergone a major regulatory shake-up, and Spanish lawmakers may not be far behind. As of December 2025, the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) updated rules are now fully in force, redefining what operators can and cannot offer players when it comes to promotions and incentives.
For the thousands of British expats living in Spain – many of whom regularly play across both UK- and Spain-licensed platforms – these changes are more than just industry headlines. They are a preview of regulatory trends sweeping across Europe, with far-reaching implications for how players engage with casinos online.
This article explores the key elements of the new UK rules, Spain's likely next steps, and what this means for players. It also provides practical advice on spotting fair and transparent bonus offers, because as promotions get leaner, players must get smarter.
The UK’s 2025 gambling bonus reforms at a glance
The UK Gambling Commission’s new rules are some of the most aggressive in years, aiming to curb predatory bonus practices and foster safer gambling environments. As of December 17, 2025, the following regulations are in full effect:
Ban on mixed-product bonuses
Operators are no longer allowed to offer a single promotion that applies to multiple gambling products – such as one bonus usable across slots, poker and sports betting. Each bonus must be tied to a specific vertical. This change aims to reduce crossover gambling, where players may feel encouraged to try new, riskier games due to bundled incentives.
Caps on wagering requirements
Previously, some casinos offered bonuses with playthrough requirements exceeding 60x. Now, the UKGC has imposed maximum wagering limits on bonus offers to protect players from misleading or unachievable rewards. In most cases, the cap is set at 35x the bonus amount and that includes both the bonus and deposit value, making real returns more attainable.
Clearer bonus terms
Another significant requirement is that terms and conditions must be written in plain language. Operators can no longer bury key terms in small print or use vague language to obscure bonus limitations. Transparency is now mandatory and failure to comply can result in immediate fines or licence revocation.
Bonus opt-in requirements
Operators must also clearly offer players the choice to opt in to bonuses. Automatically enrolling users into promotional schemes is now prohibited. This protects users from unknowingly forfeiting winnings by accidentally triggering bonus-related restrictions.
Spain may be next in line for reform
While Spain has already made headlines in past years for some of the toughest gambling advertising laws in the EU, regulators are now shifting focus toward bonus control and platform accountability.
According to a recent press release from the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs, discussions are underway on several fronts:
1. Deposit limits for younger players
One of the most talked-about proposals includes setting monthly deposit caps for players under 25. The idea is to prevent gambling-related debt in younger demographics, particularly students and early-career workers, who are statistically more vulnerable to risk-based decision-making.
2. AI-driven problem gambling detection
Spain is also exploring mandatory implementation of algorithmic behaviour tracking. This would require gambling platforms to deploy AI systems that monitor user behaviour for red flags – such as erratic deposit activity, prolonged sessions or rapid loss-chasing. If flagged, players might be prompted to pause, self-exclude or receive resources for help.
3. New advertising restrictions
With national elections approaching, gambling ads are under fresh scrutiny. Lawmakers have proposed even tighter ad windows, particularly banning ads during sports broadcasts and between 6am and 10pm, hours when minors are more likely to be watching television or online streams.
Why expats in Spain should take note
For British nationals living in Spain, especially those who maintain accounts with UK-licensed casinos, understanding both sets of rules is crucial. These expats often find themselves in a grey zone, accessing UK platforms remotely while also engaging with local Spanish-regulated operators.
This cross-border activity can carry risks. Differences in bonus regulation, identity verification and licensing standards can lead to confusion or loss of funds due to conflicting platform terms.
Some operators may begin geo-restricting bonus access, meaning promotions could be unavailable if you’re logging in from abroad, even with a UK account. Others may require re-verification of location and ID based on new national frameworks.
Staying safe with bonuses
Whether you’re logging in from the UK, Spain or any other country, the safest approach is to stick to some basic rules when choosing where to play. Different jurisdictions have different bonus regulations, and playing on a platform licensed in another region can already be complicated. To protect yourself, always make sure you are gambling on a trusted and safe site.
Key indicators of a reputable online casino include:
- Licensing from respected regulators (UKGC, DGOJ, MGA)
- Clearly displayed bonus terms, including wagering requirements and expiry dates
- The ability to view all terms before committing or depositing funds
- Built-in responsible gambling tools, such as self-exclusion, spending limits and cooling-off periods
For players who want to explore bonus promotions, one of the safest starting points is a no deposit offer. It lets you test the platform, understand how the promotions work, and see if the casino meets your expectations without risking your own funds. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a guide on how to identify a top casino no deposit bonus that puts transparency and fair play first.
Real-world consequences of misunderstanding the rules
Confusion between UK and Spanish gambling regulations isn’t hypothetical. In late 2024, a UK player based in Alicante lost access to £1,200 in bonus winnings when the casino determined that their login from Spain violated bonus territory conditions. The player had used a VPN to access a UK-only bonus without reading the fine print.
Although the funds were initially credited, the withdrawal was denied and ultimately voided when the discrepancy came to light.
This kind of outcome isn’t rare. As regulations tighten, operators are becoming more aggressive in enforcing regional restrictions, often outlined in bonus terms that players fail to read closely.
A brief history of gambling regulation in Spain and the UK
Spain first regulated online gambling in 2011, establishing the DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego) as the main oversight body. Since then, laws have evolved to include mandatory self-exclusion options (REJA), strict identity verification and ad restrictions.
In the UK, regulation goes back further, with the 2005 Gambling Act laying the foundation for today’s comprehensive framework. However, the UKGC has come under fire in recent years for failing to respond fast enough to new risks in mobile-first gambling environments. The 2025 reforms are, in part, a response to years of pressure from charities, mental health organisations and Parliament.
What’s next? Likely trends across the EU
Image: Eyestetix Studio/Unsplash
The UK and Spain aren’t alone. Other EU nations are watching closely and preparing their own reforms. Here are three trends experts predict will become the norm:
1. Gamification limits
Some countries, including the Netherlands, are exploring limits on casino gamification – features like spinning wheels for bonuses, loot boxes, or ranking systems. These features may soon require age gating or full bans.
2. Unified player registries
To prevent problem gamblers from hopping between platforms, national registries may eventually merge at the EU level, creating a shared self-exclusion system across countries. Early discussions are already underway.
3. Stricter third-party advertising rules
Social media platforms, influencers and affiliate marketers will face more pressure to disclose and restrict gambling-related content. Spain has already tightened oversight on influencer content in other industries, as seen in new laws controlling social media influencer content. Similar measures targeting gambling-specific promotions may soon follow.
Bonus safety checklist for players in 2025
Before claiming your next bonus, whether in the UK, Spain or elsewhere, ask yourself these five questions:
- Is the casino licensed by a recognised regulator?
- Are bonus terms easily visible and clearly written?
- Is there a realistic cap on winnings and wagering?
- Can you opt out of the bonus easily?
- Does the platform offer support tools for responsible gaming?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” it may be best to look elsewhere or play without a bonus altogether.
The casino bonus world is entering a new era, one defined by clarity, fairness and regulatory enforcement. For UK players, the latest rules are already reshaping the industry. For players in Spain, they offer a glimpse of what may be just around the corner.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent expat, staying informed is your best defence. Read the terms. Ask questions. And remember that a flashy bonus is only worthwhile if it’s fair and accessible in the country where you play.
As regulation continues to tighten, smart players will be those who adapt early, choose transparency over temptation, and prioritise long-term trust over short-term gains.
