TLDR Remote gaming duty in the UK will jump from 21% to 40% starting April 2026, with general betting duty rising from 15% to 25% in April 2027. The UK gambling industry generated roughly £16.8 billion in gross gambling income for 2024–2025. The Treasury has allocated an extra £26 million over three years to the Gambling Commission to fight illegal gambling operations. 48% of UK adults reported gambling in the past four weeks, with 2.7% scoring at levels linked to problem gambling. New gaming machine compliance rules take effect July 29, 2026, requiring operators to remove non-certified equipment.
The UK gambling industry is facing a wave of tax increases and regulatory changes following last year’s budget reforms. Gambling Commission Director of Policy Ian Angus laid out the details at the Institute of Licensing Gambling Conference in a speech covering taxation, enforcement, and licensing.
The most immediate change hits remote gaming operators. Remote gaming duty will nearly double, rising from 21% to 40% starting in April 2026. That increase is already in effect or about to take hold.
General betting duty is also going up. It will jump from 15% to 25%, though that change does not kick in until April 2027. Bingo duty, meanwhile, will be eliminated entirely starting April 2026.
Tax Pressure on High Street Operators
Angus said operators are already feeling the effects of these tax measures. Decisions about staffing, locations, and investment are being shaped by the new rates before they even fully take effect.
The industry brought in roughly £16.8 billion in gross gambling income during the 2024–2025 period. That figure was largely in line with the previous year’s estimate.
Several major operators have already announced plans to close gambling establishments. The Gambling Commission expects more closures to follow as the financial pressure