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SMF proposes doubling machine duty to 40% on Category B machines

Regulation

The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is due to propose raising Machine Games Duty on Category B machines from 20% to 40% in a report scheduled for release the following day. The SMF estimates the change could raise £275m to £458m, while the Betting & Gaming Council opposes the proposal and says it could put venues and jobs at risk.

Operators of betting shops, bingo clubs and casinos could face higher tax costs if the proposal is adopted.

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Regulation

UKGC sets new category B gaming machine requirements

UKGC announced on 30 September 2026 that new category B gaming machines must improve access to gambling management tools and session information. UKGC said the rules prohibit celebrating awards below stakes and features that let customers shorten the wait for results. Existing machines are exempt, and most changes take effect in June 2027.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced on 30 September 2026 that new category B gaming machines will have to meet new standards on consumer access to gambling management tools and session information. The regulator said the changes follow a consultation on proposals from the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper, High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age.

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