"Gambling has long been a fixture of British life, from local high streets to online platforms that let punters place a bet from their sofa. In her second budget as chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced major changes to gambling taxes that will affect both online and high-street operators. Remote gaming duty will nearly double from 21% to 40%, a move the industry has called a "devastating hammer blow" that threatens jobs and risks pushing players offshore."
"Gambling in the UK has changed rapidly in recent years, with online platforms now accounting for a growing share of play and providing players with guidance on where to find licensed online casinos in the UK. This growth has brought new opportunities and challenges for operators, regulators, and players alike, particularly when it comes to maintaining a fair, regulated market."
"Beyond the headlines, gambling taxes quietly shape everything from employment and nightlife to player safety and the rise of black-market sites. In this article, we break down some of the ways they influence the UK industry in 2026. Fuelling the Economy Gambling taxation is a major revenue stream for the UK. Large operators, from online platforms to high-street bookmakers, pay substantial duties, corporation tax, and licensing fees."
Remote gaming duty rises from 21% to 40%, sharply increasing the tax burden on online operators and prompting industry warnings about job losses and migration offshore. The government targets high-harm formats and intends to fund priorities such as ending the two-child benefit cap. Online platforms now account for a growing share of play, creating new opportunities and regulatory challenges around a fair, licensed market and player safety. Gambling taxation generates substantial revenue through duties, corporation tax, and licensing fees and supports hospitality and entertainment jobs while influencing nightlife and the growth of black-market sites.
Read at Business Matters
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