Industry Leaders Criticize Proposed UK Gambling Tax Reforms

A planned tax hike has the gambling sector in the United Kingdom on alert, with speculation that levies might rise by as much as 138%. These proposals may be part of Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s 2025 budget, which is expected in late October, according to a recent report. The government is yet to publicly unveil the proposal, but widespread rumor has caused considerable alarm in the industry.

Notable figures in the industry have voiced their disapproval of the alleged plan, arguing that it would negatively impact the sector’s economic contributions and would disregard the need for a careful equilibrium between regulation and profitability. According to their analysis, online casinos, which already have slim profit margins, would be hurt the worst.

Moreover, some executives have voiced concerns that large tax rises would encourage the growth of unregulated markets, which would be bad for consumers and legitimate companies alike.

For instance, Steve Donoughue, a gaming consultant, criticized the IPPR research, which supposedly served as the basis for the tax scheme, saying that it was inconsistent and too stringent. The disparity between the plans’ targeting of higher-risk gambling activities like sports betting and internet casinos and their exclusion of the National Lottery was something he and many others found unacceptable.

Also denouncing the proposed taxes was the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). As being economically detrimental and disproportionate, the group characterized the recommendations as such. Sectors dependent on gambling payments, including horse racing, were also the subject of the BGC’s worries regarding possible interruptions. Council CEO Grainne Hurst laid out the potential consequences, saying that greater taxes would slow growth, threaten jobs, and endanger vital financing sources.

Is It Feasible?

As the government deliberates, stakeholders are advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes fiscal objectives without compromising the sector’s sustainability. Whether the government opts for modest adjustments or radical reforms, the sector’s players, operators, and broader economic impact might be far-reaching.

Speculation has already caused a downturn in gambling stocks and other financial market assets. Though some of these companies’ shares have recovered, major ones like Flutter and Playtech all saw immediate losses. Some, like Evoke, have not yet entirely recovered.

Analysts are nevertheless doubtful that such drastic changes are likely to occur despite these concerns. A study conducted by Regulus Partners deemed the planned tax hike fiscally untenable. According to the analysis, a small change, such as increasing the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) from 21% to 25%, might accomplish revenue targets without causing sector instability.