UK Government Launches Consultation on Mandatory Gambling Levy

The UK government has taken a significant step towards tackling gambling addiction by initiating a consultation on the introduction of a mandatory gambling levy. This levy, proposed as part of the Gambling Act white paper, is designed to generate approximately £100 million per year to support research, education, and treatment for gambling-related harms.

Under the new scheme, all licensed gambling operators in the UK will be required to contribute their fair share. The current voluntary levy system allows operators to make voluntary payments at their discretion. The proposed mandatory statutory levy will set a 1% fee on the gross gambling yield for online gambling operators, while traditional betting shops and casinos will pay around 0.4%.

The consultation period, open until December 14, provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders, clinicians, those affected by gambling harm, and the general public to share their thoughts on the functioning of the proposed gambling operator levy. The introduction of this levy is part of the government's plan to strengthen support for those vulnerable to gambling harm while ensuring safe gambling opportunities for millions.