Significant Decrease in British Elite Client Base by 95% Following 2020 Rule Modification
In a significant move towards promoting responsible gambling and mitigating harm among vulnerable players, the UK Gambling Commission has implemented a series of regulatory changes affecting VIP betting schemes in Great Britain. The 2024 report indicates a dramatic impact on these schemes, with a 95% collapse in VIP gambler numbers and a 51% drop in VIP gambling revenue.
The changes include stricter financial checks and lower thresholds, new stake limits targeting younger adults, the implementation of a statutory levy on operators, and enhanced compliance and enforcement measures. These measures have led to a more restrictive but safer market, resulting in a profound decline in VIP activity and revenues during 2024-2025.
One of the key changes is the introduction of stricter financial checks and lower thresholds. The monthly net spend limit triggering scrutiny from the Commission has been reduced from £500 to £150, directly impacting high-value customers, including VIP gamblers.
Another significant change is the imposition of new stake limits, particularly targeting younger adults. For those aged 25 and over, the stake limit is £5 per spin, while for those between 18 and 24, it is £2 per spin. Additionally, game features like autoplay and quick spin have been restricted to limit fast, potentially risky betting behavior.
The Commission has also implemented a statutory levy on operators, replacing voluntary contributions. The funds earmarked from this levy will be used for research and treatment of betting harms.
Operators have had to adapt to this more restrictive market, leading to a significant contraction in the VIP betting market. In 2024, 60% of operators still run VIP schemes, a decrease from 67% in 2020. The average High-Value Customer (HVC) count per operator has fallen from 1,925 to fewer than 90. VIPs now account for only 3% of total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) among participating operators.
Despite these changes, the UK government's Gambling Act review has highlighted VIP regulation as a key area of focus, suggesting continued pressure on these schemes. Interestingly, the Gambling Commission found no clear evidence of widespread consumer concerns linked to VIP programs. In 2023-24, 18 operators reported 1,616 HVCs, a decrease from the 42,349 reported before reforms. The GGY from VIP programs in 2023-24 was £10.88 million, a 51% decline from £22.19 million in 2022-23.
In conclusion, the UK Gambling Commission's 2024 data and subsequent 2025 regulatory updates highlight a decisive shift away from VIP betting schemes as they were historically known in Great Britain. The market for VIP schemes remains "depressed" compared to its pre-regulation peak, reflecting the impact of comprehensive consumer protection reforms.
In the aftermath of the UK Gambling Commission's regulatory changes, the market for VIP casino-games has experienced a significant contraction, with VIP casino-and-gambling activities accounting for a minor 3% of the total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). This contraction is evident in the drastic decline in the number of VIP gamblers, with a 95% decrease from pre-reform numbers.
The implementation of stricter financial checks and lower thresholds, new stake limits, and the imposition of a statutory levy on operators have collectively contributed to a more restrictive but safer market for casino-games in Great Britain.
