Overview
- Remote Gaming Duty will jump from 21% to 40% in April 2026, and casino gaming duty bands are frozen for 2026–27.
- A new 25% rate for online General Betting Duty begins in April 2027, while in‑shop bets and all horse racing wagers remain taxed at 15%.
- The measures are expected to raise about £1.1bn by 2029–30, with the Chancellor projecting more than £1bn a year by 2031.
- The OBR published details ahead of the statement and cautions that pass‑through costs and shifts to unregulated operators could reduce receipts.
- Racing leaders welcomed the exemption after a high‑profile campaign, as bookmakers warn of tighter odds, fewer promotions and potential shop closures; bingo duty is abolished and Machine Games Duty is unchanged.