The UK government has begun discussing plans to introduce a mandatory gambling tax to raise additional funds for research, education, and treatment of gambling-related problems (RET). The tax, proposed as part of the Gambling Act, is expected to generate around £100 million (about €115.5 million or $121.7 million) annually.
Gambling operators licensed by the Gambling Commission will be required to pay this tax to ensure a fairer distribution of compulsory contributions. Currently, the system on a voluntary basis allows operators to contribute amounts as they see fit.Under the new tax, online gambling operators will pay 1% of their gross gambling revenue, while traditional betting shops and casinos will pay around 0.4%.
The consultation process has already begun and will run until December 14. Culture Minister Lucy Fraser said the new tax would help protect people at risk of gambling-related problems and provide funding for treatment and research.
