Comments Welcome ex-Chancellor Wants to Raise Online Gaming Tax From 21% to 50%

[CongoGB]

Minus what'll no doubt be moaning and whinging at politicians - in reality, what does this mean for UK online slot players?

Will online casinos disappear? Will the RTP drop to ridiculous levels? What's likely to happen from April?

 

[andysbetting1187]

40% tax is insane before you even started on corporation tax. I am sure that this will finish off the high street industry at least. Best news ever for the Crypto sites though.

I don't think it applies to bricks and mortar establishments - online only

 

[andysbetting1187]

Minus what'll no doubt be moaning and whinging at politicians - in reality, what does this mean for UK online slot players?

Will online casinos disappear? Will the RTP drop to ridiculous levels? What's likely to happen from April?

The online casinos will have to factor this in for their shareholders who will want to see no change in profits - only way to do that is lower RTP

 

[L&L-Jan]

I don't think it applies to bricks and mortar establishments - online only

correct.

 

[L&L-Jan]

only way to do that is lower RTP

spend less on bonuses can contribute too

so yeah, play with all kind of areas where costs and revenues are involved.

 

[megadam]

So tax on having a bash on Bonanza, tax on having a milkshake or a prepackaged latte, tax for being promised for a long time that EVs would have material benefit in tax breaks/exemptions and now they are being taxed.

And for what exactly....ah yes, benefits increases and tax breaks for families with 3 or more children. I'm sorry don't want to come off as callous or cold, but why do I get robbed to pay for someone else's tax break for their lack of planning? Where's my tax break....oh no wait as part of this budget income tax frozen for another year (Again an increase after they had the audacity to say taxes weren't going to increase) and a material change to dividend taxation and pension contributions.

She got one thing absolutely right....I'll be asking for a contribution from everyone.....didn't get that part wrong.

 

[Mr Shine]

Well done on killing the goose, Rachel!

 

[DreamRJ]

I am kinda shocked about the bingo tax abolishment?

Does this mean more casinos will focus more on bingo now? Not being funny but I stopped playing bingo a long time ago.

I did watch the entire budget speech. Even though the OBR got leaked just before 12pm lol

21% to 40% what will that mean going forward? will you need to offset this increase by lowering RTP reducing promotions even further? That question is for the reps?

 

[L&L-Jan]

reducing promotions even further?

technicall that's already happening in january when new bonus rules come in to force.

 

[steveh35]

technicall that's already happening in january when new bonus rules come in to force.

and those new rules are?

 

[DreamRJ]

technicall that's already happening in january when new bonus rules come in to force.

Yeah what are the new rules? please do tell? full transparency haha

 

[L&L-Jan]

Mixed product promotion ban​

Mixed product promotional offers provide bonuses on the condition the consumer plays different products, such as betting and playing slots.

But evidence shows consumers are more at risk of harm when they gamble on multiple products rather than a single product. There is also the risk that mixed product promotions confuse consumers because of complex terms and conditions.

The ban is aimed at reducing harm and boosting fairness and openness.

Bonus wagering requirements limited to ten​

Some promotional offers provide bonus funds to consumers on the condition the consumer re-stakes any winnings multiple times before being allowed to withdraw winnings from the bonus.

For example, a £10 bonus with a 50 times wagering requirement requires the consumer to play through £500 before the winnings can be withdrawn.

Such high wagering requirements could confuse consumers and lead them to gamble for longer, and faster, than they are used to.

Capping the wagering requirement to ten decreases the likelihood of harm, reduces complexity, and improves transparency while maintaining consumer choice.

-- New max wagering is 10x.

 

[dunover]

Basically bonuses will be very EV+ so the casinos online will be very restricted in the amount they can offer, including FS, or they can have quite paltry conversion caps or both even.

You cannot have cross-pollination where playing slots gets you a betting voucher or vice-versa.

You'll probably see a rise in races, cashback offers etc. and less reliance on new player offers.

And don't forget, you can always shaft the affiliates like Rank did yesterday to me, changing their terms so if you still have an active player after 5 years, they are zeroed and no RS is payable on their behalf lol

 

[DreamRJ]

Mixed product promotion ban​

Mixed product promotional offers provide bonuses on the condition the consumer plays different products, such as betting and playing slots.

But evidence shows consumers are more at risk of harm when they gamble on multiple products rather than a single product. There is also the risk that mixed product promotions confuse consumers because of complex terms and conditions.

The ban is aimed at reducing harm and boosting fairness and openness.

Bonus wagering requirements limited to ten​

Some promotional offers provide bonus funds to consumers on the condition the consumer re-stakes any winnings multiple times before being allowed to withdraw winnings from the bonus.

For example, a £10 bonus with a 50 times wagering requirement requires the consumer to play through £500 before the winnings can be withdrawn.

Such high wagering requirements could confuse consumers and lead them to gamble for longer, and faster, than they are used to.

Capping the wagering requirement to ten decreases the likelihood of harm, reduces complexity, and improves transparency while maintaining consumer choice.

-- New max wagering is 10x.

I mean honestly that new 10x wager cap will be very welcome to consumers, but i feel that casinos will probably reduce the welcome offers amd no longer do 100% match bonuses or hand out goodwills as often?

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

I mean honestly that new 10x wager cap will be very welcome to consumers, but i feel that casinos will probably reduce the welcome offers amd no longer do 100% match bonuses or hand out goodwills as often?

Correct.

 

[dunover]

Correct.

Or find a simple loophole like offer 10x wagering then have a list of 99% of games that only contribute 25% to wagering making it 40x bonus lol

Like in the good old days of crap terms we used to see exemplified on this forum from certain sites....

(runs and hides)

 

[L&L-Jan]

Or find a simple loophole like offer 10x wagering then have a list of 99% of games that only contribute 25% to wagering making it 40x bonus lo

ive considered this and consulted fellow CM members and players. Since I had to explain each time what i meant, I decided not to go forward with that

However, a few agreed after explaining my lowering the wagering contribution weight due to new rules.

Still, its acceptable for regulars but not for new players / recreational players.

 

[DreamRJ]

Or find a simple loophole like offer 10x wagering then have a list of 99% of games that only contribute 25% to wagering making it 40x bonus lol

Like in the good old days of crap terms we used to see exemplified on this forum from certain sites....

(runs and hides)

Do not give em all ideas but they will have thought about this already I am sure of it in the many meetings they have been having.

I do not think capping the slots wagering contribution and limiting the number of slots that they can play with their deposit is fair. I already hate casinos that do that today there is a small amount of casinos that only allow you to play a small % of slots with the welcome offers or any other bonuses they give. I find this predatory and wrong and totally unfair to the players who might want to play their favourite slot that they can not unless they beat the wagering which I would guess about 90% of players never do. (correct my numbers if they are wrong I was just guessing here haha)

Honestly the UK gambling is getting worse by the day and this will make it even worse going forward.

I mean most in the UK have already got used to reduced bonuses or goodwills anyway so making them even worse or removing them altogether I think will be the final nail in the coffin for some consumers. They might have no choice but to switch to unregulated outfits which pose a much more bigger risk on us.

I did not have any issues per se when I did some in the past when I wanted to do bonus buys again and use autoplay and turbo spins. I did have a small issue only once where the withdraw took longer than it should. But I still got it in the end.

But it is still nice knowing we are protected and we will always get our funds in a timely manner and no need to worry or stress if they are going to shaft us like was the case before the UKGC came in. Do not get me wrong it is the piece of mind for me even though I hate the rules that they introduced. All in the name of safer gambling to protect the problem gamblers etc.

 

[Jono777]

I'm sweating here.....

Please tell me DoA 98 will survive this budget lol

 

[C-man70]

The chancellor and the cronies lobbying for this tax hike have been quoted it will help those who are vulnerable......errrr excuse me , you are making it worse for the vulnerable.....the tax hike will mean lower RTP and less freebies....this will only hurt them/us only more......they obviously do not understand.

 

[Lemon]

William Hill will be ringing round all the slot studios as we speak, threatening to pull their games from the site unless they provide some new versions with 87% RTP maths...

Brick and mortar have had a right touch today.

 

[C-man70]

The online casinos will have to factor this in for their shareholders who will want to see no change in profits - only way to do that is lower RTP

And the vulnerable will be hit hard leading to more health/financial/family hardship...a gambler cannot stop....playing crypto hits him hard in fees....they don't have much resources to start with.....less RTP will just cause more grief........why don't these people who make these decisions discuss this with people who know.....I've seen one MP on TV saying this will help the vulnerable and cause less social issues.... absolutely deluded!!!

 

[satchnz]

And the vulnerable will be hit hard leading to more health/financial/family hardship...a gambler cannot stop....playing crypto hits him hard in fees....they don't have much resources to start with.....less RTP will just cause more grief........why don't these people who make these decisions discuss this with people who know.....I've seen one MP on TV saying this will help the vulnerable and cause less social issues.... absolutely deluded!!!

Fees are minimal as long as you know what you are doing. It’s the volatility that’s the killer (depending on which coin you use), and never knowing 100% whether or not you will get your withdrawal. But I get your sentiment and agree with your post.

 

[andysbetting1187]

William Hill will be ringing round all the slot studios as we speak, threatening to pull their games from the site unless they provide some new versions with 87% RTP maths...

Brick and mortar have had a right touch today.

Weirdly I do think this might push people back to the bookies and the FOBT's or even into the casinos

I don't often play slots in the casinos but seeing as the new terminals have play and go in them and you can play reactoonz (with an autospin) I will be lumping on that next time I go

 

[C-man70]

The only way I see RTP surviving at current levels is the closure of the smaller online casino and the bigger ones sweeping up all the customers..... therefore they can maintain RTP as they will have more income coming in....

 

[steveh35]

The only way I see RTP surviving at current levels is the closure of the smaller online casino and the bigger ones sweeping up all the customers..... therefore they can maintain RTP as they will have more income coming in....

Like big supermarkets eat all the little shops and only the big ones survive, that is most business models these days there can be no such thing as small only the large few.

 

[Lucky Loser]

I suspect many UK facing casinos will have to drop their RTP to 85-90%. What a joke.

I would play at a crypto casino instead.

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

The only way I see RTP surviving at current levels is the closure of the smaller online casino and the bigger ones sweeping up all the customers..... therefore they can maintain RTP as they will have more income coming in....

The tax hike means the RTP has to reduce for regulated operators regardless of the size. Everyone believes online gaming companies make a ton of money but in reality the margins are extremely low. We’re not a “bigger one” but I anticipate all UK operators will need to make changes.

 

[Webzcas]

Yes higher taxes regardless of industry, stunt growth and companies have to cut their cloth accordingly. Certainly more so for the online gambling sites. Is this basically a hike to the point of consumption tax? Is this a tax on profit or amount wagered? Sorry, trying to get my head around it.

 

[Webzcas]

Here is more on this:

Gambling tax raid 'not a signal' to crucial sector and those that take 'great joy' from it, culture secretary insists​

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has defended the budget's gambling tax hike in the Commons, saying the government sought to limit the economic impact.

Nandy said she had worked closely with the Chancellor to "ensure that the measures that she announced yesterday protect people who gathered great joy from an industry that is worth huge amounts to the UK economy".

The measures, which will fund the removal of the two-child benefit cap, were "not a signal" to the sector but a necessary choice to make a "significant dent" in child poverty, Nandy said.

The chancellor had announced a raise of taxes on online gaming and betting, in a move set to raise £1.1 billion by 2029.

This includes a rise of the remote gaming duty applying to online games from 21% to 40% next year. Taxes on online sports betting – excluding horseracing – will increase from 15% to 25% from April 2027.

Nandy said the government was still seeking to shield high street businesses, such as bingo halls and pubs, and had lowered business rates for retail and hospitality properties to that effect.

When I moved back from Gibraltar back in 2006 I always refrained from stating I work in the online gambling industry, when asked by people what I did for a living.

Many people, rightly or wrongly see it as an immoral industry to work in, akin to I guess working for Embassy in Bristol back in the day.

That said, the measures put in place yesterday by Rachel from Accounts, will only add rocket fuel to the damage that overbearing regulation enforced by the UKGC is doing to the industry here in the UK. People will ultimately lose jobs as a result. Well done Labour

 

[Lemon]

The only way I see RTP surviving at current levels is the closure of the smaller online casino and the bigger ones sweeping up all the customers..... therefore they can maintain RTP as they will have more income coming in....

I agree with this unfortunately. The smaller casinos who try to offer something different and exciting, engage with players and have a presence on this site will fall by the wayside or pull out of the UK. We'll be left to gamble with the huge faceless corporate behemoths, many of whom are grey-listed or not recommended on here, and who insult their player-base with low RTP's and promotions worth pennies.

 

[Webzcas]

I agree with this unfortunately. The smaller casinos who try to offer something different and exciting, engage with players and have a presence on this site will fall by the wayside or pull out of the UK.

We've been seeing this happen over the course of the last 5 years thanks to the over bearing regulation from the UKGC and the countless penalties they dish out every other month.

As I have said above, the measures introduced yesterday just add fuel to the fire. So yes, sadly you are spot on IMO.

 

[satchnz]

My girlfriend knows the COO of a reasonably new and small UK online casino. She talked to him today and they are currently in crisis mode trying to work out how they can stay afloat.

On a completely different note (but still thanks to the government), I had to submit a facial scan today to Twitch so I could continue watching gambling streams. I could have flicked my VPN on but that’s a bit of a faff to do every time, and I cannot leave it on full time as I use Real Debrid and they don’t like multiple IPs…

 

[dunover]

My girlfriend knows the COO of a reasonably new and small UK online casino. She talked to him today and they are currently in crisis mode trying to work out how they can stay afloat.

On a completely different note (but still thanks to the government), I had to submit a facial scan today to Twitch so I could continue watching gambling streams. I could have flicked my VPN on but that’s a bit of a faff to do every time, and I cannot leave it on full time as I use Real Debrid and they don’t like multiple IPs…

Give up gambling and start breeding children, much more low-risk and profitable.

 

[geordiecolin]

We've been seeing this happen over the course of the last 5 years thanks to the over bearing regulation from the UKGC and the countless penalties they dish out every other month.

As I have said above, the measures introduced yesterday just add fuel to the fire. So yes, sadly you are spot on IMO.

Like many players I will be waiting to see how it effects RTP. If we see RTP reduced I will follow those who offer the best RTP then once they all reduce it I will seriously reduce my budget and amount per bet because no way will I be prepared to risk any of my savings to fund this labour governments spending.
One thing is for sure is that once it is implimented a Reform or Tory government will not reverse it.
What is more is I can see other countries bringing in similar taxes and rules.

 

[lukey141]

This is going to suck. RTP will go down, promotions and free spins will be massively reduced or removed entirely. Online casinos will close as people are less willing to gamble with such poor odds. Government will end up getting less than they currently do.

If there will no longer be a regulated UK site offering 96% variations I will either stop entirely or switch to crypto and take my chances. Gutted that I only found Slots Temple recently and now I don't see how they can continue with these changes.

 

[gonzo fonso]

do these changes come into effect in April ? i think for the time being i will lay low and not play anywhere,i would try an offshore casino but one that takes debit card deposits and is reliable,any suggestions ?

 

[Webzcas]

do these changes come into effect in April ? i think for the time being i will lay low and not play anywhere,i would try an offshore casino but one that takes debit card deposits and is reliable,any suggestions ?

April 2027 apparently. Other measures in the budget come in as soon as April 2026. From The Guardian:

General betting duty, levied on sports bets, will rise from 15% to 25% for wagers placed online from April 2027, but there will be no change for bets placed in high street bookmakers. Bets on horse racing – a sport that relies heavily on income from gambling firms – will be exempted from the increase.

However, no doubt operators are now looking at changes to implement now or very soon to mitigate the forthcoming increase in duty.

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

April 2027 apparently. Other measures in the budget come in as soon as April 2026. From The Guardian:

However, no doubt operators are now looking at changes to implement now or very soon to mitigate the forthcoming increase in duty.

The casino change comes in April 2026, it’s only sports that’s 2027 Dave.

 

[Webzcas]

Thanks for the clarification Mark.

 

[geordiecolin]

It appears that everywhere is getting squeezed with budgets and taxes everywhere and the theme seems to be the poorest getting hit worst and the middle classes being whiped out. Everything seems to be based on being controlled.

BULGARIA ERUPTS: “Budget 2026 Is a Robbery!” — Sofia’s Streets Fill as Public Fury Explodes
Sofia woke up to one of its largest demonstrations in recent years as thousands packed Nezavisimost Square, turning the heart of the Bulgarian capital into a sea of voices demanding accountability. What started as a protest against Budget 2026 quickly evolved into a full-scale confrontation over what many Bulgarians now call “the government’s quiet assault on the middle class.”
The crowd condemned the newly proposed tax hikes, expanded social security contributions, and what they describe as an intentional squeezing of ordinary citizens to fund a budget “written for Brussels and oligarchs, not for Bulgaria.”
Tensions escalated as police cordons clashed with protesters, pushing back crowds that refused to leave the square. Loud chants echoed between the iconic government buildings: “We’ve had enough!”, “No more theft!”, “Bulgaria is not your piggy bank!”
What shocked even seasoned observers was the political tone: opposition groups accuse the government of “using the European budget framework to justify domestic financial exploitation.” Many demonstrators said the new tax regime would effectively wipe out small businesses, deepen poverty, and accelerate the mass emigration that has already emptied large regions of the country.
The protest ended late into the night — but the anger did not. Bulgaria may be heading toward a winter of unrest if Parliament pushes Budget 2026 through without amendments.

 

[goon1303]

Clamping down on online and not land-based casinos smacks of extortionist policies.

 

[Webzcas]

 

[ExeMedia]

Hello all,

I am new in the forum, I found it just because of these bad news. We have big Affiliate website in Czech Republic. Local taxes are 35% for casino and Lotteries and 30% for Sportsbook. We work just with licensed brands across all the jusrisdictions we are active at and it´s getting harder and harder. News like these will just help Curacao, Anjouan and simmilar shady brands to aquire new players and if government thinks this will bring more money, it´s not true Fair game is dissappearing.

Is there any chance this will not happend, or it´s final and irreversible decision?

Thank you,

Matt

 

[Webzcas]

Well it will certainly make the UK a much harder market to operate at a profit in, whether an actual operator or an affiliate. On top of the countless penalty packages dished out over the years by the UKGC, many decent operators have given up their UK licence, to ensure they don't get hit by a 'penalty'.

The increase in duty will further hurt the industry. This will no doubt trickle down the chain, with players being hit arguably the hardest. Time will tell though.

 

[megadam]

Give up gambling and start breeding children, much more low-risk and profitable.

Depends, they could be as incredibly disappointing as my last 3 bonuses on Bonanza (4x, 7x, 3x....)

 

[ExeMedia]

Well it will certainly make the UK a much harder market to operate at a profit in, whether an actual operator or an affiliate. On top of the countless penalty packages dished out over the years by the UKGC, many decent operators have given up their UK licence, to ensure they don't get hit by a 'penalty'.

The increase in duty will further hurt the industry. This will no doubt trickle down the chain, with players being hit arguably the hardest. Time will tell though.

Exactly Rogue casinos will gain popularity, that is where regulations do not play positive role. Geez who the hell tells the politicians to do such crappy decisions? They do everything for the players to dissappear in not trustworthy brands

 

[satchnz]

Well it will certainly make the UK a much harder market to operate at a profit in, whether an actual operator or an affiliate. On top of the countless penalty packages dished out over the years by the UKGC, many decent operators have given up their UK licence, to ensure they don't get hit by a 'penalty'.

The increase in duty will further hurt the industry. This will no doubt trickle down the chain, with players being hit arguably the hardest. Time will tell though.

The next step being the UK government bans gambling altogether? We mustn’t be too far away from that happening…

 

[Jono777]

Just a thought, please don't shoot me down lol....

Having read what I have read over many, many years here on CM. Surely only true "addict" type players will deposit and play at 90% or below?

Know it is a serious uphill struggle but really hope the casino operators can wave a magic wand of some description and find an alternative to lowering RTP's further still after this (ridiculous, needless, greedy) tax hike.

21% to 25% for example would have made millions extra but doubling it is just crazy!

 

[Jono777]

The next step being the UK government bans gambling altogether? We mustn’t be too far away from that happening…

Would not surprise me but then again there is way too much dosh in it for them.

Just like the fags, smoking ban, then the horrible packaging, then the 20's only along with the price rises but they still let them flow like water and rake in the huge profits from them.