The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) posted a speech that covers updates to regulations in the country. This comes as the UK Budget, which happens once a year, increased taxes on certain forms of gambling.
One of these changes is that Remote Gaming Duty (tax) will increase from 21% to 40% on April 1, 2026. “Remote” encompasses “gaming over the internet, telephone, by television, radio, or any other electronic communications or other technology for facilitating communication.”
In a speech given at the Institute of Licensing (IoL) Annual Conference 2025, director of policy Ian Angus went over what the UKGC had discovered in the last year.
It was found through a survey that 38% would gamble remotely, but only 29% now do it in-store. However, removing lottery figures, this drops to 16% online and 18% in-store.
Angus highlights the work that local authorities have done to help curb gambling problems in their area. Sheffield City Council worked for two years within the court system to block a premises license it deemed unfit for the city.
More changes incoming for gambling in the UK
However, changes aren’t over just yet. The DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) is currently taking a look at land-based gambling.
Gaming machines that come under “Category D”, like crane games and coin pushers, are being eyed for adjustments to stakes and prizes. It’s also looking to try to make a “clearer distinction” between “adult gaming centers”. This comes as duties on bingo winnings have been completely abolished.
Explaining the multiple-pronged approach, Angus said:
“One of the strengths of the gambling regulatory model in Great Britain… is the co-regulatory model: Gambling Commission nationally, holding the board rooms to account and with local authorities on the high street.
“I’ve shared a link to our online resources for you there so please do if you haven’t already, have a read on what we share with you online.”
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