The revenue generated from gambling and betting duties in the UK rose by 19% year-on-year, totaling €2.28 billion for the period of April to July 2026. This increase is largely attributed to the implementation of the Remote Gaming Duty, which accounted for approximately 50% of the total receipts. According to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), revenues from the Remote Gaming Duty alone were estimated at €444 million between April and June, marking a significant rise of €79 million or 22% compared to the same timeframe the previous year.
In April, the rate for remote gaming duty was elevated from 21% to 40%. This escalation contributed to the overall gambling and betting duty receipts, which reached €1.16 billion from April to June, reflecting a modest increase of 0.3% compared to 2025. Preliminary data indicate that there has not been an immediate decline in tax collections following the rise in the rate of the remote gaming duty.
Despite this increase in revenue, operators within the gambling sector have expressed concerns that higher taxes could divert customers to unregulated gambling platforms, which may adversely affect the regulated industry’s business. In response, the Betting and Gaming Council has launched a campaign titled "Back Our Betting Shops," highlighting the crucial role of betting outlets. As the UK government prepares for its Autumn Budget, the industry is likely to exert further pressure regarding potential adjustments to gambling taxes.
