The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced a proposed 25% increase in Gambling Commission fees, scheduled to take effect on October 1. The Betting and Gaming Council has formally rejected the plan, citing potential negative impacts on the regulated sector.
Policy Details and Industry Response
The DCMS proposal follows a consultation period and includes limited exceptions to the fee adjustment. In a statement released after the announcement, the BGC stated it fundamentally opposes any increase in Machine Games Duty. The council noted that the accompanying government report provides no justification for the policy change.The BGC highlighted that the regulated betting and gaming sector currently supports approximately 109,000 jobs and contributes billions to the national economy. The council warned that raising Machine Games Duty could lead to venue closures, employment reductions, and decreased activity on high streets. According to the BGC, these changes would primarily benefit the unregulated gambling market, which does not pay taxes or provide consumer protections.
The council pointed out that the government report does not quantify the expected number of closures or job losses. Additionally, the BGC referenced polling data from the same report indicating that a majority of respondents across different political groups oppose higher taxes on gaming machines. The statement concluded that "tax policy should be evidence-led, proportionate and based on a full assessment of its impact on jobs, investment, consumers and communities."