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Majority of Britons back increased tax on online gambling as calls for reform grow ahead of Autumn Budget

October 14, 2024

Over 50% of Britons support raising taxes on online gambling. As the Autumn Budget looms, a new report calls for doubling the Remote Gaming Duty to 42%, potentially generating £900 million for the public purse.

New polling suggests that over half of Britons (52%) support increasing taxes on online gambling, with many prioritising a hike in gambling duties over other taxes such as income tax, VAT, and fuel duties.

This comes as the Social Market Foundation (SMF) releases a report advocating for a significant increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 42%, which could generate up to £900 million for the Treasury.

Online gambling, particularly casino gaming, has been linked to higher rates of harm, with fiscal costs estimated at over £1 billion. The SMF report, authored by Dr James Noyes and Dr Aveek Bhattacharya, argues that the sector is currently undertaxed and highlights that UK operators are paying higher taxes in other countries.

With the UK facing a £22 billion fiscal shortfall, the report urges the government to capitalise on this opportunity, restructuring the outdated tax system and addressing the social costs associated with gambling.