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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The UK gambling tax changes raise Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) from 21% to 40% from 1 April 2026, abolish Bingo Duty from that date, and set a 25% rate for most remote betting from 1 April 2027. These are duties paid by gambling operators, not a new tax charged directly to ordinary bettors. The rules differ by activity, bet type and accounting period.
What are the UK gambling tax changes?
The package changes three duties: RGD rises, Bingo Duty ends, and General Betting Duty (GBD) on most remote bets is scheduled to rise. It does not combine remote betting and remote gaming into one tax. The government says it received 143 responses to its April–July 2025 consultation and decided to retain separate treatment, citing differences in costs and harms and consultation feedback. Its policy paper states: “The government will not proceed with introducing a single tax on remote betting and gaming.” (HMRC policy paper, 26 November 2025; HMRC consultation response)
| Duty or activity | Change | Effective date and scope |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) | 21% to 40% | For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2026; a straddling period is apportioned for profits arising from 1 April to its end. |
| Bingo Duty | Abolished | From 1 April 2026; earlier liabilities remain due. Remote bingo supplied to UK customers remains within RGD. |
| General Betting Duty on most remote bets | 15% to 25% | Scheduled from 1 April 2027. UK horseracing, pool betting and spread betting are excluded from the new rate. |
HMRC’s current gambling tax rates guidance lists other duties, including Gaming Duty, Lottery Duty, Machine Games Duty and Pool Betting Duty. The policy announcement says this package does not change those other gambling duties.
When does Remote Gaming Duty rise to 40%?
RGD increased from 21% to 40% for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2026. It applies to remote gaming, which HMRC describes as gaming over the internet, telephone, television, radio or other communications technology. The policy paper gives the rate change as “from 1 April 2026.” (HMRC policy paper; HMRC rates guidance)
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If an operator’s accounting period began before 1 April 2026 and ends after it, the higher rate applies to profits arising from 1 April through the period’s end; it does not automatically apply to the entire accounting period. The statutory provisions are in the Finance Act 2026.
Will online betting be taxed at 25%?
Most remote betting profits are scheduled to be subject to GBD at 25% from 1 April 2027. As of 8 October 2026, that start date is in the future; the 25% rate should not be described as already in force. The rate applies to remote betting, not to every bet placed online, because several activity types are specifically excluded. (HMRC policy paper; HMRC rates guidance)
Which bets are excluded from the new remote rate?
- UK horseracing: remote bets on UK horseracing remain subject to GBD at 15%, not the new 25% rate.
- Pool betting: excluded from the new remote rate.
- Spread betting: financial and non-financial spread bets are excluded.
- Self-service betting terminals: bets placed at terminals on licensed premises are outside the new remote rate and are not treated as remote for this change.
For an operator or a question about a specific activity, check the applicable statutory rules and HMRC’s current rates guidance; the activity label and method of placing a bet matter.
Has Bingo Duty been abolished?
Yes. Bingo Duty was abolished from 1 April 2026. The abolition does not cancel duty or return obligations for periods before that date: operators must still settle earlier liabilities. Bingo supplied remotely to UK customers remains within RGD, so abolition of Bingo Duty does not make remote bingo duty-free. See HMRC’s Bingo Duty guidance.
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Do these changes affect players or betting companies?
The duties are operator liabilities. HMRC says providers offering relevant remote gambling to people who usually live in the UK generally need to register, file returns and pay the relevant duty, wherever the operator is located, subject to exceptions and detailed statutory rules. The rules do not describe a new tax charged directly to ordinary bettors. Operator-specific effects on odds, promotions, fees or other consumer prices are not established by these policy changes.
Operators should use the relevant HMRC guidance and legislation to determine whether a duty applies to their activity and accounting period. The policy costings estimate an affected tax base of around £10 billion in 2026–27, comprising about £2.3 billion for remote GBD, £7.1 billion for RGD and £0.3 billion for Bingo Duty. That is an estimate of the tax base, not the amount of duty collected. The government separately expects the package to contribute over £1 billion a year to public finances; that is an expectation, not a guaranteed outturn. (HMRC policy paper; HM Treasury policy costings)
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