Betting and Gaming Council Condemns UK Fee Hike Plans
Jacob Mitchell 
Key Takeaways:
- UK government plans to raise Machine Games Duty by 25%.
- Betting and Gaming Council opposes the proposed duty increase.
- BGC warns of job losses and venue closures in local communities.
- Changes to Machine Games Duty are set for October 1, 2026.
- BGC states illegal market would benefit from duty increase.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has condemned proposed changes to Gambling Commission fees and an increase in Machine Games Duty by the UK government. Following a consultation period, the government, through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, announced plans to raise Machine Games Duty by 25 per cent from October 1, 2026. The Gambling Commission also plans to raise fees by 25% from October 1.
Specifics of Proposed Changes
The government's announcement outlines a 25 per cent increase in Machine Games Duty, scheduled to take effect from October 1, 2026. This decision follows a consultation period and was communicated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Additionally, the Gambling Commission intends to raise its gambling regulatory fees by 25% starting October 1.
Industry Impact and BGC Opposition
The Betting and Gaming Council has strongly decried these proposed changes, warning that local communities could face significant losses. The BGC anticipates potential job losses and the closure of social venues as a direct consequence of the duty increase, impacting the UK gambling market. In a statement, the Council asserted, “We fundamentally oppose any increase in Machine Games Duty and nothing in this report justifies such a damaging policy.”
The BGC highlighted the vital role played by bingo clubs, betting shops, casinos, working men's clubs, and miners' welfare clubs in communities across the country. The regulated betting and gaming sector currently supports approximately 109,000 jobs and contributes billions to the UK economy. These venues also provide valued leisure options for millions of adults who engage in safe and responsible betting.
The Council argued that "Doubling Machine Games Duty would not protect those communities." Instead, it would lead to venue closures, job losses, and a weakening of high streets. The BGC also suggested that such a policy would inadvertently benefit the growing illegal gambling market, which operates without tax contributions, community support, or consumer protections found within the regulated sector. The BGC noted that the report supporting these changes failed to quantify the potential venue closures or job losses. Furthermore, the Council pointed out that the report's own polling indicated a majority of people, across the political spectrum, do not support increasing taxes on gaming machines. The BGC advocates for tax policy to be evidence-led, proportionate, and based on a comprehensive assessment of its impact on jobs, investment, consumers, and communities.
Previous Regulatory Adjustments
These proposed changes to Machine Games Duty follow recent adjustments to the UK's gambling tax landscape. Last April saw the implementation of an increase in remote gaming duty. Concurrently, a general gaming duty was introduced, impacting both high street bookmakers and real money online casinos.
