Key Moments:
- Significant online betting and gaming tax increases were introduced in the UK Budget
- Land-based duties remained unchanged and bingo duty was eliminated
- The British gambling industry supports 109,000 jobs and contributes over £4bn in tax
Industry Reacts to New Tax Changes
The latest UK Budget has unveiled substantial tax increases targeting online betting and gaming. These new measures have positioned the UK among the highest-taxed markets in the world for online gambling, sparking concerns throughout the sector.
Economic Impact and Sector Contributions
Regulated betting and gaming in the UK is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating £6.8bn and supporting 109,000 jobs. The industry also provides over £4bn in tax revenue and plays a crucial role in supporting British sport.
| Sector | Economic Contribution | Tax Contribution | Jobs Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated Betting & Gaming | £6.8bn | £4bn+ | 109,000 |
Mixed Responses to Policy Adjustments
While the industry recognized the decision to keep land-based gaming duties unchanged and the removal of bingo duty as positive steps, leaders expressed strong concern that the increased online taxes could challenge job security, investment, and overall growth in the sector.
Market Dynamics and Consumer Risk
Critics warn that the heightened tax burden may inadvertently benefit the unregulated gambling black market, which remains untaxed and lacks player protections.
Statements from Leadership
Betting and Gaming Council CEO, Grainne Hurst, commented: “Massive tax increases for online betting and gaming announced in the Budget make them among the highest in the world, and are a devastating hammer blow to tens of thousands of people working in the industry across the UK, and millions of customers who enjoy a bet.
“Regulated betting and gaming is one of the UK’s few globally successful sectors, generating £6.8bn for the economy, contributing over £4bn in tax and supporting 109,000 jobs, while delivering vital funding for British sport.
“While we welcome the decision not to raise land-based duties and to scrap bingo duty – these excessive online tax increases will undermine jobs, investment and growth across the UK.
“The Government’s Budget is a massive win for the incredibly harmful, unsafe, unregulated gambling black market, which pays no tax and offers none of the protections that exist in the regulated sector.
“These decisions are bad for jobs, bad for customers, bad for sports – and bad for safer gambling.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
