The UK government has proposed a new tax structure for remote gambling, suggesting the elimination of the current three-tiered tax system.
It is seeking industry feedback on merging the three existing remote gambling taxes into a single rate.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Treasury have outlined plans to introduce a unified tax, called the Remote Betting & Gaming Duty (RBGD), which would apply across all remote gambling activities. Industry stakeholders are invited to share their views to help ensure the reform meets its goals of simplifying the system and reducing administrative burdens.
Currently, remote gambling in the UK is taxed under three different regimes: Remote Gaming Duty (RGD), General Betting Duty (GBD), and Pool Betting Duty (PBD).
James Murray, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, mentioned:
The tax system needs to keep pace with the developments and innovation that have seen the UK-facing remote gambling sector change significantly in recent years.
He added that since the rise of remote gambling, the sector has expanded rapidly, and the existing three-tax system no longer reflects its dynamic nature.
At present, RGD applies at 21% of operator profits, while GBD and PBD are both taxed at 15%. The government argues that the current division of tax rates no longer matches how consumption patterns have changed.
The consultation period for the proposed RBGD will run for 12 weeks, closing on 21 July, with final decisions expected in the Autumn Budget 2025.
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