Sky Bet to roll out 'global deposit limits' for all customers
Flutter Entertainment-owned operator confirms new safer gambling measure, which it has likened to a “handbrake”, will be based on player age and net deposits
Sky Bet is rolling out global deposit limits (GDLs) for all customers as part of the brand’s efforts to “help reduce significant losses in short periods of time, which can in some cases lead to financial harm”.
According to a new blogpost on the Flutter Entertainment-owned operator’s support site, GDLs will be implemented on all customer accounts regardless of existing spending or gambling behaviours.
The blogpost was last updated on 16 August, with Sky Bet noting that GDLs will be implemented but did not give a specific timeframe.
Sky Bet described GDLs as a “backstop or handbrake” for customers as part of its efforts to reduce losses.
The operator added: “There’s no need to worry about this limit, for most customers this will be invisible – you’ll only ever need to contact us if you hit your limit, and you’d like to discuss changing it. You’ll be notified on your account if you reach this limit.
“What we can afford to spend on gambling is personal to all of us. Remember that global deposit limits are a backstop. We recommend that you consider applying your own deposit limit to help you keep in control your spending and manage your personal budget.”
GDLs will be calculated based on net deposits, ie, total deposits minus total withdrawals, and will also vary depending on each customer’s ages.
The limits will operate on a calendar basis, meaning they will apply to fixed periods and reset at the beginning of each new period.
Sky Bet also confirmed it would not be carrying out credit checks to help inform customers’ individual GDLs.
Customers will be able to review their respective GDLs but will be required to share a raft of personal information with Sky Bet to start the process.
The operator said: “The limits and processes are in place as a part of our commitment to safer gambling, and we believe that the current limits set will not be increased for the majority of customers.
“However, we do understand that affordability is personal. To start the review of your limit, you’ll need to send us proof of how you fund your gambling.”
This proof could include payslips for the past three months, a P60 covering the most recent tax year and/or bank statements for the past three months showing evidence of income.
Sky Bet added it would also need further information regarding “discretionary income” to help set a personalised limit.
The firm pointed to the “50-30-20 rule” in which 50% of post-tax income should be used for living essentials, 30% for leisure spend (which gambling would fall under) and 20% for savings.
Sky Bet’s existing deposit limits, which allow users to place restrictions on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, will remain in place.
However, if customers have set a deposit limit that is higher than the determined GDL, the lowest limit will come into force.
The introduction of GDLs comes as the UK sector prepares to get to grips with the pilot scheme for enhanced affordability checks which started this month.
In May, the Gambling Commission revealed a £500 net deposit limit would trigger a “light touch” financial risk check from the end of August, before falling to a £150 net deposit on 28 February 2025.
Flutter had no further comment to make on GDLs when approached by EGR.