Skip to content

United Kingdom: The Gambling Authority Discloses the Rate of State Gambling Taxation

Gambling tax in the UK commenced in April's early days; online gambling is subject to significant taxation.

United Kingdom: The Gambling Authority Discloses the Rate of State Gambling Taxation

It's the Dawn of a New Brutally Honest Gambling Era in Blighty

Let me lay it straight for you, mate - as of April 6, 2025, the UK is kicking off its mandatory gambling tax - dubbed the "statutory gambling duty." This policy was first proposed back in 2023 and is part of the bold move to combat problem gambling and curb gambling-related harm, no shits given.

You should know, that up until recently, a voluntary tax was requested, but it was hardly used (typical, ain't it?). The new duty will clamp down on problem gambling and funnel funds into research and prevention initiatives, keeping Johnny-no-collar away from the bookies and casinos.

The Government anticipates raising around £100 million (roughly €115 million) yearly through this new tax. Here's a pro-tip - steer clear of online gambling, as the tax will be higher than for land-based gambling. The commission will hit online casinos, sports betting, and bingo with a 1.1% duty.

But hey, there's a catch - offline gambling will be subject to lower taxes. Expect land-based slot machines, bingo, arcades, sports betting, and casinos to cough up tax ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 percent. Don't forget, lottery providers (online and land-based) will also be slapped with a 0.1% supplementary tax.

Now, here's the stinger - while the healthcare sector's onboard with this tax, renowned gambling research experts have raised a stink. These peeps are worried that research institutions might refuse funds generated by the gambling industry, killing off decades of in-depth research on the subject.

Lastly, remember that gambling businesses have until September 30 to settle their tax bills, with invoices being sent out on September 1. Failure to pay up could lead to loss of license, so make sure to stay on top of your gambling taxes, you foolish rookies.

In the new gambling era in the UK, a 1.1% tax will be imposed on online casinos, sports betting, and bingo starting from April 6, 2025. This tax is expected to generate around £100 million annually. In comparison, offline gambling will be subject to lower taxes, from 0.1 to 0.5%, while lottery providers will pay a 0.1% supplementary tax. Gambling businesses are required to settle their tax bills by September 30, or risk losing their licenses. This new tax could potentially affect the relationship between research institutions and the gambling industry, as some experts have raised concerns about refusal of funds generated by the gambling industry.

Online gambling sector hit hard by UK's newly implemented state gambling tax in April.

Read also:

    Latest

    High-ranking government officials in Estonia may see changes in recruitment and work procedures, as...

    High-ranking officials in Estonia could experience shifts in recruitment and work processes, as a draft amendment to the Civil Service Law, proposed by the Ministry of Finance, introduces numerous changes.

    High-ranking government officials in Estonia may face significant changes in their recruitment and work practices, according to ERR's reporting from the Ministry of Finance, as they draft an amendment to the Law on Civil Service. The proposed changes could pave the way for virtually anyone to...