BGC Warns Licence Fee Increase Will Add Pressure to Regulated Operators
United Kingdom.- 2 July 2026 www.zonadeazar.com The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that higher UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence fees will place additional financial pressure on licensed operators across the UK. The trade body called for greater accountability, transparency and efficiency from the regulator in return for the increased funding.
News Details
The warning follows confirmation from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that revised UKGC licence fees will take effect on 1 October 2026.
The Government confirmed that the Commission’s overall licence fee income will increase by 25%, although the rise will not be applied uniformly. Most operating licence fees will instead be recalculated according to Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) under a revised fee structure. Personal licences, supplementary operating licences and single machine permits will also increase by 25%, while society lottery fees will remain frozen.
Industry Context
The changes come at a time when the regulated gambling industry is already facing higher remote gambling taxes and the introduction of the statutory levy. Industry representatives continue to warn that rising regulatory costs could weaken licensed operators while strengthening the illegal gambling market.
Statements
A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson said:
“Our members recognise the importance of a well-funded Gambling Commission. However, these increases add to the financial pressures already facing the regulated betting and gaming sector.”
The BGC added that any fee increase should be matched by “greater accountability, transparency and efficiency” from the regulator, alongside evidence-led regulation that protects consumers.
Next Steps or Impact
The revised licence fee structure will come into force on 1 October 2026. The industry will closely monitor its impact on investment, employment and the competitiveness of the regulated market while expecting the additional funding to improve regulatory performance and efforts against illegal gambling.
Edited by: @_fonta
