The tax on UK online casino profits nearly doubled this year. Remote Gaming Duty rose from 21% to 40% for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2026, and online sports betting faces its own rise next spring.
What has changed, and what is next
| Duty | Before | Now or next |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Gaming Duty (online casino, slots) | 21% | 40% from 1 April 2026 |
| General Betting Duty, remote bets | 15% | 25% from 1 April 2027 |
| General Betting Duty, bets in shops | 15% | 15%, unchanged |
| Bingo Duty | 10% | Abolished from 1 April 2026 |
Two kinds of bet keep the old treatment after April 2027. Remote bets on UK horse racing stay outside the new 25% rate, because operators already pay 10% to the Horserace Betting Levy. Bets placed on self-service betting terminals in licensed betting shops stay at 15%.
What it means for players
The duty is charged to operators on their profits, not to players on their winnings. The Gambling Commission confirms that winnings are tax-free for customers, whatever the amount. Operators can respond to higher costs by changing their offers, so compare current terms, especially wagering requirements, rather than relying on what a site offered last year. Any site taking bets from people in Great Britain must hold a UK Gambling Commission licence.
Bonus terms have their own new limit: since 19 January 2026, the Gambling Commission has capped wagering requirements at 10 times. The offers on our UK casino listings must meet it.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Gambling duty changes
- GOV.UK: Bingo Duty (guidance)
- Gambling Commission: Winnings from gambling for customers (FOI response, May 2026)
- Gambling Commission: Gambling promotions to be safer and simpler (10x wagering cap from 19 January 2026)
Facts checked 14 Oct 2026. Compliance review 14 Oct 2026.
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