UK Gambling Commission Sets Statutory Levy Rates
- Gambling IQ
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
The UK Gambling Commission has introduced new statutory levy rates to fund research, prevention, and treatment initiatives for gambling-related harm, replacing the previous voluntary system. The levy, mandated under the Gambling Act Review, aims to ensure sustainable funding for addressing gambling issues across Great Britain.
From spring 2025, operators will pay varying rates based on their gross gambling yield (GGY). Online gambling operators, including those offering slots, casino games, betting, and bingo, face a 1% levy on GGY. High street betting shops and on-course bookmakers will contribute 0.4%, while gaming machine operators in hospitality venues, such as pubs, will pay 0.1%. Operators with GGY below £500,000 are exempt, easing the burden on smaller businesses.
The Commission estimates the levy will raise £90m–£100m annually by 2028/29, a significant increase from the £35m collected voluntarily in 2023/24. Funds will support third-sector organisations, NHS treatment services, and independent research, with up to 5% allocated to the Commission and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for administrative costs.
Andrew Rhodes, the Commission’s chief executive, described the levy as a “landmark step” towards a fairer, more effective funding model. He highlighted its role in tackling gambling harm while maintaining a balanced approach for operators. The rates, set after extensive consultation, reflect industry feedback to avoid excessive financial strain, particularly on land-based businesses.
The levy applies to operators licensed by the Commission, with payments due quarterly or annually depending on GGY thresholds. The Commission will review the structure within three years to assess its impact and ensure fairness. Operators are urged to prepare for the transition, with further guidance expected before implementation. This move underscores the UK’s commitment to addressing gambling harm through robust, industry-funded measures.tion, and treatment initiatives for gambling-related harm, replacing the previous voluntary system. The levy, mandated under the Gambling Act Review, aims to ensure sustainable funding for addressing gambling issues across Great Britain.
From spring 2025, operators will pay varying rates based on their gross gambling yield (GGY). Online gambling operators, including those offering slots, casino games, betting, and bingo, face a 1% levy on GGY. High street betting shops and on-course bookmakers will contribute 0.4%, while gaming machine operators in hospitality venues, such as pubs, will pay 0.1%. Operators with GGY below £500,000 are exempt, easing the burden on smaller businesses.
The Commission estimates the levy will raise £90m–£100m annually by 2028/29, a significant increase from the £35m collected voluntarily in 2023/24. Funds will support third-sector organisations, NHS treatment services, and independent research, with up to 5% allocated to the Commission and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for administrative costs.
Andrew Rhodes, the Commission’s chief executive, described the levy as a “landmark step” towards a fairer, more effective funding model. He highlighted its role in tackling gambling harm while maintaining a balanced approach for operators. The rates, set after extensive consultation, reflect industry feedback to avoid excessive financial strain, particularly on land-based businesses.
The levy applies to operators licensed by the Commission, with payments due quarterly or annually depending on GGY thresholds. The Commission will review the structure within three years to assess its impact and ensure fairness. Operators are urged to prepare for the transition, with further guidance expected before implementation. This move underscores the UK’s commitment to addressing gambling harm through robust, industry-funded measures.