Leak Reveals UK Plans Sharp Tax Hikes: 25% for Bookmakers, 40% for Online Casinos

^{Pictured: UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves}

A leaked document from the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has revealed the tax changes Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce in the upcoming budget, Reuters reports.

According to the document, the remote gaming duty for online casinos will almost double from April 2026, rising from the current 21% to 40%.

Bookmakers will face changes later: from April 2027, a new 25% tax will apply to online-accepted bets.

At present, UK bookmakers pay 15% on most wagers.

The anticipated tax increases will not affect bets placed via self-service betting terminals, pool betting, or horse racing, which will remain under the existing regime.

The higher tax burden is expected to hit the sector’s largest publicly listed companies, including Entain, Evoke and Flutter. Following the leak, their shares fell between 1% and 19%.

OBR estimates suggest the new tax measures could generate around $1.45bn in additional revenue by the 2029–2030 fiscal year.

Industry representatives have warned in recent months that steeper taxes will put further pressure on operators and could push some customers toward unlicensed platforms. Consolidation is also expected, with smaller and mid-sized operators likely to merge with larger companies.

Gambling Park previously reported that Evoke may sell its Italian business due to rising gambling taxes in the UK.