Britain’s gambling sector has begun an orchestrated push to dissuade the government from raising taxes on online betting, launching a summer charm offensive aimed at reshaping public perception and influencing Treasury thinking ahead of the autumn budget. The move comes amid speculation that remote gaming duty could be increased to support strained public finances.
Pressure builds ahead of the budget
With the UK Treasury exploring ways to narrow the fiscal deficit, industry sources believe remote gaming duty — currently set at 21% — is under review. Although no formal proposals have been published, gambling executives are acting pre-emptively, viewing the next few months as a crucial period to make their case. Leading companies, including Flutter and Entain, have stepped up engagement through the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), highlighting the sector’s contribution to employment, tax revenue and digital innovation. According to the BGC, the industry supports over 100,000 jobs and generates more than £7 billion in economic activity.
Framing the narrative
Public-facing campaigns have been launched to underline the industry’s positive role in sports sponsorship, community funding and responsible gambling efforts. At the same time, private meetings with MPs and officials are being used to present economic modelling that warns of unintended consequences if taxes rise sharply — including the risk of driving consumers toward unregulated offshore operators. One executive involved in the talks noted: “We know the industry has baggage, but we’re showing how much it has changed — this is about responsible entertainment in a modern, regulated market.” Industry figures are also stressing the compliance costs already being absorbed, including new affordability checks and advertising restrictions introduced under the government’s gambling white paper reforms.
Treasury considers wider implications
Ministers are treading carefully, aware of public concern around gambling harm but also wary of damaging a heavily regulated domestic industry. Any tax increase would need to be balanced against its potential to reduce investment or prompt job cuts — risks the sector is keen to emphasise. Government officials are continuing to review responses to recent regulatory consultations, and insiders suggest any fiscal changes will be influenced by the political climate as well as economic data over the coming months.
High stakes for a high-profile sector
The gambling industry’s lobbying effort is expected to intensify in the lead-up to the budget. While the outcome remains uncertain, operators are preparing for different tax scenarios and considering how to maintain competitiveness in a tighter regulatory environment. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government sees the sector as a stable source of revenue or a policy area in need of further tightening — and whether the industry’s charm offensive can tip the balance.
REFH – Newshub, 28 July 2025
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