Think Tank Calls for Further Gambling Tax Increases in the UK

United Kingdom.- 30 June 2026 www.zonadeazar.com The UK’s Social Market Foundation (SMF) has proposed a new round of tax increases for the gambling industry, just three months after significant tax hikes came into effect. The proposal focuses on raising taxes on certain land-based gaming machines, reigniting debate among policymakers, operators and industry stakeholders.

2. News Details

The SMF recommends increasing the Machine Games Duty (MGD) applied to Category B gaming machines located in betting shops, amusement arcades, bingo halls and casinos. According to the report, the measure would generate additional tax revenue while helping to reduce gambling-related harm.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism from industry analysts and representatives, who argue that further tax increases could undermine the financial sustainability of land-based operators, lead to venue closures, job losses and potentially drive more consumers towards the illegal gambling market. The debate comes shortly after the UK Government introduced a 40% tax on online gambling and confirmed that the General Betting Duty will increase to 25% next year.

3. Industry Context

The discussion highlights the growing tension between public health objectives and fiscal policy on one hand, and the industry’s concerns about maintaining a competitive regulated market on the other. The UK continues to review its gambling taxation framework amid broader regulatory reforms and efforts to combat the unlicensed market.

4. Statements

The original source does not include official statements from government representatives or gambling operators. It does, however, report criticism from several industry stakeholders, who argue that the SMF proposal is politically motivated and question the methodology used in the report.

5. Next Steps or Impact

Although the SMF proposal does not represent official government policy, it is expected to influence future discussions on gambling taxation in the UK. The industry continues to call for any future fiscal reforms to be evidence-based and to carefully assess their impact on employment, investment and the sustainability of the regulated market.

Edited by: @_fonta