The Fallout From the UK Gambling Tax Hikes: BGC Reaction

In this episode, we examine one of the most significant policy shifts to hit the UK gambling sector in recent years: the Chancellor’s decision to raise gambling taxes as part of the Autumn Budget.

We’re joined by Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, in conversation with Melanie Dayasena-Lowe, Vixio’s managing editor covering UK and European regulatory developments.

Together, they explore how the tax hikes landed across the industry, why many operators view the changes as a “hammer blow”, and what the increases could mean for jobs, retail betting shops, investment and long-term sector growth.

The discussion also looks at whether horseracing and in-person gambling have escaped the worst of the impact or whether further ripple effects are likely.

In conversation, Melanie and Grainne address key questions shaping the debate:

- How did the industry react on Budget day?
- What impact could the tax rises have on employment, retail closures and UK investment
- Will the increases drive consumers towards the black market, as some warn?
- How might the changes affect Gibraltar, Sweden and other European jurisdictions?
- How will UK gambling tax levels now compare across Europe?
- Could the government revisit or even raise these taxes again?

With forecasts suggesting reduced bonusing, declining onshore spending, and a drop in channelisation from 93% to 84%, this episode offers timely insights into the challenges that operators, regulators, and policymakers now face.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how the UK’s new tax landscape is reshaping the sector and what may come next as the market adjusts to one of the most consequential fiscal decisions in years.

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