In a keynote address at the Institute of Licensing Gambling Conference, Ian Angus, Director of Policy for the Gambling Commission (GC), detailed the massive regulatory transformations awaiting the British market.
The roadmap for 2026–2027 is defined by aggressive tax hikes, strict new machine certifications, and a reinforced war against the illegal black market.
Participation Data and High-Risk Trends
According to the GC’s annual survey of 20,000 respondents, 48% of adults gambled in the preceding four weeks. Online participation (38%) continues to outpace in-person play (29%), though the gap is primarily driven by lottery products.
Excluding lotteries, the split is nearly equal at 16% online and 18% retail. Alarmingly, 2.7% of individuals scored an 8 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a figure that has remained stubbornly consistent year-over-year despite ongoing interventions.
Taxation and Enforcement Timelines
Angus confirmed that operators are already modifying their long-term strategies in anticipation of the 2025 Budget implementation. The timeline for the “tax squeeze” is now set:
- April 2026: Remote Gaming Duty jumps to 40%.
- April 2026: Bingo duty is abolished to support retail stability.
- April 2027: General betting duty increases from 15% to 25%.
To protect the regulated sector from these costs driving players to offshore sites, the Treasury has allocated an extra £26 million to the Commission over the next three years. This funding will facilitate a wider scope of enforcement against illegal land-based and digital platforms.
Equipment Specifications and Deadlines
The regulator is also moving forward with a zero-tolerance approach to hardware compliance. Starting July 29, 2026, operators are legally mandated to remove any gaming machinery found to be non-compliant with updated specifications.
Ian Angus noted that the complete response to the Gambling Act review consultations will be released later this summer, providing a final blueprint for local licensing authorities.
