The UK increased Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026, covering most forms of online casino gambling. Industry sources told the report that operators may respond with cuts to marketing, retail estates and staffing; Evoke said it would close 200 William Hill shops from 24 May.
The higher duty changes the tax burden on UK online casino operators and may prompt cost reductions.
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UK operators are reassessing B2B gaming supplier contracts after Remote Gaming Duty doubled from 21% to 40% in April. The increase, announced in the 2025 autumn budget, has prompted two operators to withdraw and larger groups to report projected additional costs running into nine figures. Suppliers now face tougher procurement questions over measurable commercial value.
Six weeks after Britain doubled Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026, operators have reported limited immediate impact. Lawyers and advisers cited in the report expect the effects to emerge over several quarters through marketing, product economics and player behaviour.
Betfred founder Fred Done said a proposed increase in UK Machine Gaming Duty from 20% to 40% could force the company to close 495 shops within a year. He said this could put 2,575 jobs at risk and cost the Exchequer about £67 million in tax revenue; the proposal was reportedly under consideration ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Italian online casinos recorded spending of €320 million in October, up 9% year over year, according to the reported market figures. Lottomatica led with a 31.4% market share, followed by Flutter at 27.3%; the monthly total collected exceeded €7.4 billion.
Spending on online casinos in Italy reportedly reached €320m in October, up 9% on the same month a year earlier. The figure is defined as the difference between bets placed and winnings paid. Total monthly stakes reportedly exceeded €7.4bn.
Rank Group and Entain shares each rose about 5% in morning trading on 21 October after reports suggested the UK Treasury was considering a smaller Machine Games Duty increase than previously feared. The reported rate was 25%; the change had not been confirmed, and the Budget was due on 28 October.