UK government consults on higher gambling licence fees

[MissExposé]

The UK government has launched a public consultation on raising annual licence fees charged by the Gambling Commission to gambling operators, with responses invited until 30 March 2026. The proposals include three possible models: a 30 % average increase in operating fees, a 20 % rise, or a 20 % increase with an additional 10 % ring‑fenced for tackling illegal gambling and enforcement. The consultation aims to help fund the regulator’s work and address budget shortfalls after increased regulatory responsibilities and inflation‑linked costs. Any approved changes could take effect from October 2026 and follow recent tax hikes affecting the UK gambling sector.

Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/uk-government-consultation-increased-licence-fees/

 

[ARZ]

I don´t understand it. It comes immediately after recent tax increases, and introducing higher licence fees on top of that will only add further pressure on the industry. This approach risks creating even greater reluctance among legal operators to continue operating in the UK market, which could ultimately weaken the regulated sector rather than strengthen it.