The UK government has announced a 25% increase in gambling licensing fees, set to take effect on October 1, 2026. This measure aims to ensure adequate funding for the UK Gambling Commission's ongoing operations.
This fee hike follows consultations by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), which indicated that the Gambling Commission requires additional funds to maintain its oversight of the industry. After evaluating potential increases of 20% and 30%, the government opted for the 25% increase.
Several operators have expressed concerns that this additional financial burden compounds their existing tax and statutory levy obligations.
It's important to note that fee increases will vary across licensing classes, with society lottery licensees remaining exempt from any hike. General betting licensees will shift to a new market share-based licensing structure introduced under AGGY. In this new framework, larger commercial operators will face progressively higher licensing fees, with the largest companies bearing the heaviest costs.
