The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) appears poised to significantly increase the cost of licenses, according to government documents that were briefly published online before being retracted on Tuesday.
The papers, which outlined plans for a consultation targeted for launch this spring, proposed increasing annual operating license fees by as much as 30% to plug a budget deficit and fund stricter enforcement.
Three Options on the Table
The leaked documents detailed three potential fee structures for the cost of licenses slated for implementation by October 1, 2026:
- Option A: A 30% across-the-board increase (cited as the Commission’s preferred route).
- Option B: A 20% increase.
- Option C: A 20% increase, plus an additional 10% levy ring-fenced specifically for combating the black market.
Reserves at Risk
The justification for the hike stems from rising operational costs and inflation. Reports indicate that the regulator has been drawing down millions from its reserves to fund its enhanced data capabilities and anti-illegal market initiatives. The leaked papers warned that without a fee uplift, the Commission’s reserves could be completely exhausted during the 2026–27 financial year.
While the documents were pulled and labeled as “published in error,” industry observers believe a formal consultation is imminent. If approved, these hikes would add another financial burden to operators already bracing for increases in Remote Gaming Duty and General Betting Duty in 2026 and 2027.
