UK gambling firms face mandatory levy or risk losing licenses by October
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced a new mandatory levy system for gambling operators, replacing the previous voluntary donations for research, education, and treatment (RET) of gambling-related harm. The first invoices will be sent out on 1 September, with payments due by 1 October. Non-compliance may result in operators losing their licenses.
The levy applies to all licensed gambling businesses, with rates ranging from 0.1% to 1.1% of revenue. Land-based operators' amounts depend on their facility size, while online operators and software providers pay based on total income. The system aims to raise around £100 million annually, with 20% allocated to the arts and humanities division of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Unlike before, operators cannot reduce their levy obligations with voluntary RET contributions. The Bundesverband der Sportwetten und Glücksspielanbieter (BDSG) has ensured the new levy does not compromise RET's independence, but the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has expressed concerns about potential industry influence over fund usage.
The new levy marks a transition from voluntary to mandatory funding, with operators now required to pay a fixed percentage of their revenue. Non-compliance may lead to license revocation, with the first payments due by the start of October.
