UK Trade Bodies Urged To Unite On Tax
Richard Bradley, gambling lead solicitor at Poppleston Allen, has urged UK gambling trade bodies including the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Bacta and the Bingo Association to be more cohesive in their lobbying and communications as the sector braces for further tax rises.
The UK gambling industry faces a rise in General Betting Duty due in April, after Remote Gaming Duty jumped from 21% to 40% in April 2026 under measures from the 2025 Autumn Budget.
Warns Against Overusing Headline Figures
Bradley told SBC News that while the industry's underlying concerns are valid, "the wider argument can become lost" when headline figures, such as black market size estimates, are constantly cited without context.
"It is therefore important that the industry uses robust, accurate figures and explains what sits behind them," he said, adding that the strongest argument is not that every shop faces imminent risk, but that further cost increases could make an already difficult trading environment "significantly more difficult, particularly for smaller businesses."
Other Markets Have Already Moved To Coordinate
Bradley's comments come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled intent to reduce the number of regulated betting shops on the high street, and as Chancellor John Healey is reported to be considering a further rise in Machine Games Duty.
Bradley pointed to overseas precedents for closer trade body coordination, including the European Casino Association's call for an expanded Europol remit against the black market, and the formation of the Balkan Gaming Federation by seven regional trade bodies in March.
"The important point is not simply presenting a louder argument; it is presenting a clearer and better-evidenced one," he said.
