The United Kingdom ended the requirement for operators to make voluntary contributions to gambling harm research and treatment in March. Instead, a new statutory levy will take effect on April 6.
The Gambling Commission of Great Britain (GC) will invoice licensed operators from that date. The invoices will be based on gross-gambling-yield (GGY) data submitted through their regulatory returns. The Gambling Commission will issue the first invoices on September 1, 2025, with payment due by October 1, 2025.
Solicitor for Poppleston Allen, a gambling-licensing firm, Richard Bradley comments on the new system. He warned operators that the Gambling Commission will use data from submitted quarterly regulatory returns to calculate the levy amount. As a result, operators should consider a possible increase in their payment, as some may now owe more than they did under the previous RET contribution requirement or the greater of 0.1% of GGY or £250.
Bradley added that, under the Act, the Gambling Commission treats the levy payment the same as operating license annual fees. The Gambling Commission may revoke an operating license for non-payment. However, it could accept late payment if the failure results from an administrative error.
Levy amounts vary by gambling activity. Operators will pay 0.1% on GGY from pool betting, lottery, and gaming machines, 0.2% on land-based bingo and betting, 0.5% on non-remote intermediary betting and casinos, and 1.1% on all remote gambling operations and software.
On February 27, Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross spoke about the levy at the Betting and Gaming Council’s Annual General Meeting. She emphasized its importance in funding projects and services aimed at reducing gambling harm.
She acknowledged that the financial support from BGC members has helped fund research, prevention, and treatment services. This support has provided crucial treatment access and created a foundation for the levy to expand upon. Maintaining funding for these services is crucial during the transition to the new levy.
