**The Levy for Gambling-Related Harm Prevention**
The levy, initially announced in November, is part of the government’s plan to raise £100 million (€120 million/$126 million) for gambling-related harm prevention through a percentage of profits from industry stakeholders.
The rate each business will pay varies from 0.1% to 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY). This rate will be determined based on the sector, vertical, and type of gambling offered, considering licensees’ operating costs and the risk profile of their products.
Baroness Twycross informed members of the BGC that operators must make their first levy payment on 1 October. “It’s a huge step forward for the sector,” she noted. “It will lead to increased investment in expanding projects and services to reduce harmful gambling. I know we have a shared aim in this area.”
She also stated that the levy was affirmed by both parliamentary houses and became law on 25 February. “I know the BGC has largely supported the levy and we recognize the sector’s efforts through the voluntary levy previously,” Baroness Twycross added.
**Formation of an Independent Body for the Levy**
Speaking during a parliamentary debate in the House of Lords on 12 February, Baroness Twycross mentioned that the government would set clear objectives to maximize value for money. This includes establishing an independent statutory board to monitor spending and overall levy effectiveness.
She explained that the levy was designed to be effective and proportionate, aiming to “strike the right balance between managing impacts on licensees and ensuring that operators are paying their fair share.”
**Slots Stakes to be Enforced in April**
Additionally, Baroness Twycross informed the AGM that the £5 and £2 stake limits on online slots will take effect on 9 April and 21 May, respectively.
As initially announced in February last year, players aged 18 to 24 will be restricted to spending £2 per spin. This increases to £5 per spin for those over 25.
The slots stake limits were also enacted into law this week following parliamentary debates earlier in the month. Baroness Twycross indicated during the February Lords debate that the measure aligns online slots with land-based counterparts concerning stake limits.
“In our view, a £5 stake limit will protect those most vulnerable to serious harm while balancing the impact on the industry,” she told the house. “We primarily considered consultation responses, expert evidence, and harm data related to each staking level and determined that the £5 limit targets those customers most at risk of harm. The average stake on online slots is noted to be 60p.”
The UK’s statutory levy for the gambling sector will be enforced on 6 April after being passed into law on 12 February, as gambling minister Baroness Twycross shared at the Betting & Gaming Council’s (BGC) AGM on 27 February. Online slot stakes will be implemented in April and May.