News: Casino

New bonus rules that came into force in January 2026 are adding further pressure. Mixed-product bonuses are now banned and wagering requirements are capped at 10 times the bonus value.

The Commission has been allocated an additional £26 million in government funding to expand its enforcement capacity

Here's my weekly wrap of the biggest and most relevant updates in the online casino industry.

Unlicensed casino sites carry none of the player protections that exist on regulated platforms. They pay no UK tax, have no obligation to pay out winnings, and do not honour GamStop self-exclusion.

Operators will be required to send automated reminders every six months, prompting players to review their account settings.

Mr Q has launched Pick'Q, a free-to-play World Cup prediction game built with SplashTech, offering real cash prizes for accurate forecasts plus a new 300-spin casino welcome bonus.

Ladbrokes Casino has launched a welcome offer giving new customers up to 500 free spins, claimed in 50-spin daily drops over 10 days following a £10 deposit and slots spend.

This week's coverage covers two significant operator trends, an update to my Pay by Phone guide, and welcome offer changes at three casino sites worth knowing about.

In a regulated market where switching platforms is straightforward, communication quality around withdrawals is now influencing both conversion rates and retention, with poorly communicated policies driving players toward competitors who are more transparent.

bet365 has expanded its Jackpot365 progressive jackpot feature to sports betting, becoming the first UK bookmaker to integrate a four-tier jackpot directly into the sports betslip.