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UK Gambling Revenues Jump, Fueling Last‑Minute Clash Over Tax Hikes

Fresh regulator data intensifies pressure on the Chancellor to raise online gambling taxes.

Overview

  • The Gambling Commission reported GGY of £16.8bn in the year to March, up 7.3%, with online gambling at £7.8bn accounting for 46% of the market.
  • Online casino winnings reached £5.0bn, rising nearly 15% year on year and standing 55% above pre‑pandemic levels.
  • IPPR and the Social Market Foundation have urged more than doubling Remote Gaming Duty to around 50%, and reports suggest the Budget could increase online gambling taxes.
  • The industry is lobbying hard, with the BGC warning of job losses and growth of the unregulated market, and Betfred saying it could shut 1,287 shops if taxes rise.
  • Racing Post data show online betting turnover on racing fell 6% to £7.88bn as the sport warns of knock‑on funding risks, with the Budget announcement due Wednesday.