The UK government is consulting on increasing Gambling Commission license fees by 30%, according to a DCMS document seemingly published in error.
The consultation weighs up three potential plans to hike the British gambling regulator’s license fees for operators: 30%, 20% and 20% + 10% ring-fenced for combating illegal gambling.
The document, which floats a 1 October 2026 implementation date for the new fees, reveals the 30% flat rate is the plan preferred by the regulator itself, while the government is in favor of the option that protects 10% of funding for dealing with the challenge posted by the the black market.
The move comes following Rachel Reeve’s decision in the November Budget to hike remote gaming duty to 40% from 1 April 2026 on top of a new 25% general betting duty for remote gambling from April 2027.
