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Fresh Gambling Commission data shows that restrictions have not slowed the market.
The British Gambling Commission has released its latest figures for the three months ending June 30, 2025. Despite the arrival of new stake limits on online slots, the numbers show that gambling activity remains strong, with online revenue hitting new highs.
Online GGY edges upward
Revenue growth continues, though at a slower pace.
Online gross gambling yield (GGY) reached £1.49bn for the quarter, a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of bets and spins jumped 6% year-on-year, climbing to 26.1bn.
But while the money flowing through the system grew, the number of average monthly active accounts dropped 10% to 12.7m. That shows fewer players are wagering more often, a trend regulators will likely keep an eye on.
Slots power through the changes
Even with stake limits, slots remain the most powerful vertical.
Online slots recorded a 14% rise in GGY to £745m. The total number of spins surged 8% to 24.4bn, hitting a new peak. Average monthly active accounts stayed stable at 4.4m, suggesting steady engagement from a loyal base of players.
Meanwhile, session patterns showed slight changes. Slots sessions lasting longer than an hour fell 9% to 8.8m, while the average session time shortened by one minute to 16 minutes. Only 5% of all sessions went over one hour, down from 6% last year.
The Gambling Commission noted that a couple of operators updated their session-length methodology during this quarter, which influenced the reported figures.
Real event betting slips back
Sports betting revenue tells a different story.
Not every vertical saw growth. Real event betting GGY dropped 9% to £570m, with bets falling 7% and active accounts declining 16%. This shows a clear contrast with the surge in online slots.
It also highlights how much performance can vary between verticals depending on seasonal sporting calendars, player interest, and competitive offerings.
New stake limits show muted impact
Restrictions appear to have slowed growth, not reversed it.
The Gambling Commission introduced new rules earlier this year, setting a £5 maximum stake for adults from April 9, and a stricter £2 stake limit for players aged 18 to 24 from May 21.
The expectation was that these rules could dampen slot activity. But the latest data suggests otherwise. Instead of a downturn, the market posted record GGY and spin volumes. Regulators may view this as evidence that stake caps are protecting consumers without undermining the industry’s stability.
Retail betting takes a hit
High street betting shops continue to face pressure.
On the land-based side, retail betting GGY dropped 5% to £552m. The number of bets and spins fell 3% to 3.2bn.
As always, the Commission warned that these numbers cannot be directly compared with other industry datasets, as some sources include free bets and bonuses and may not capture every operator. Still, the message is clear: retail continues to feel the squeeze as online channels strengthen their grip.
A market at a crossroads
The data reflects a sector adapting to new rules while staying resilient.
Overall, the first quarter under new stake limits paints a picture of slots reaching record highs, sports betting softening, and retail betting sliding further.
For operators, the lesson is that digital engagement continues to lead the way, while compliance with new safeguards is shaping how play evolves. For regulators, the challenge lies in ensuring the balance holds: protecting consumers without disrupting the industry’s economic role.
Source: Focus Gaming News
