Kevin Harrington, Flutter UK and Ireland CEO
“Today’s tax increases are a very disappointing outcome and will have a significant adverse impact on our industry. The Chancellor rightly wants to address harm, but these changes will hand a big win to illegal, unlicensed gambling operators which will become more competitive overnight.
“These black market operators don’t pay tax and don’t invest in safer gambling. At 40%, the UK’s remote gaming duty is now above countries such as the Netherlands, where a recent tax increase saw a rise in illegal gambling and a fall in government receipts.
“Despite this impact, I am confident that through both our scale and leading position in the UK, as well as the proactive cost initiatives that we are taking, we are well placed to navigate through today’s changes.”
Stella David, Entain CEO
“We are deeply disappointed by today’s decision to punitively increase UK gambling taxes, putting at risk an industry which already contributes £7bn annually to the UK economy and supports over 100,000 jobs across the country.
“Disproportionately increasing gambling taxes will not only have a detrimental impact on our industry but also heightens the risk for customers. As seen in other countries, punitive tax increases often lead to lower tax revenues overall, while also driving players to illegal, unregulated operators with no player protections. The government must now urgently tackle the black market and the consequences of today’s decision.
“Entain remains well positioned to deliver sustainable growth, underpinned by the group’s diverse geographic footprint and strong portfolio of leading positions in attractive markets.”
Per Widerström, evoke CEO
“The decision today by the UK government to substantially raise taxes is highly damaging for the economy and consumers. As an industry, we have consistently warned of the significant impact on jobs, investment in the UK and player protection that these changes would have, yet sadly the government has chosen not to listen. These proposals are ill-thought-through, counterproductive, and highly damaging. It is clear these changes will significantly harm businesses, employees and customers.
“We will begin immediately on executing our mitigation plans, which involve a significant reduction in investment into the UK, and, very regrettably, the likely need for thousands of jobs to be cut up and down the country.
“As a result of the actions now required, these tax changes will reduce the overall level of tax the regulated industry pays in the UK, and more importantly it will have a significant negative impact on player protection as these changes will incentivise activity moving to the illegal and dangerous black-market.”
John O’Reilly, Rank CEO
“The announced increase in remote gaming duty in the UK Budget represents a very significant blow to the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK.
“While we are pleased that the government has abolished bingo duty which will help to sustain jobs and investment in the land-based sector, the far more significant impact on the group is the hit to digital profitability.
“In the year to 30 June 2025, Rank reported a profit after tax of £44.6m and paid taxes in the UK of £188m. That burden will now increase by a further £40m and we will look to mitigate the impact where possible.”
Neal Menashe, Super Group CEO
“Super Group supports the reasonable taxation of online gaming in the UK. We rely on the government to ensure that today’s very substantial increase should be paired with robust and strict enforcement against non-paying offshore operators. This is essential to protect the regulated sector’s investment in jobs, technology and responsible gaming in the UK.”
Charles Lee, kwiff CEO
“The government’s budget has caused deep concern among the UK gaming industry, its partners and more importantly its customers. In spite of the OBR’s forecast of a one third decline in betting industry yield, kwiff will continue to grow and develop, focusing on delivering world class entertainment to our customers in the safest environment.
“The industry has made incredible leaps forward over the last decade to protect players and address harm, as recognised by our regulator. At kwiff we pride ourselves on this, protecting our players, enhancing their experience and building loyalty.
“The OBR predicts 90% of increased tax costs will be passed onto the customer. While this might have to be the case for the rest of the regulated sector, it will not be for kwiff.
“Kwiff is strongly positioned to navigate these punitive tax increases by continuing to invest in the growth of our own tech stack and unique entertainment for our customers.”
Check out the wider industry reaction to the Budget, as EGR rounds-up the views of lawyers, compliance experts, researchers, analysts & lobby groups.
The post “The government has chosen not to listen” – Operator CEOs on the new RGD and GBD rates first appeared on EGR Intel.
After confirmation remote gaming duty will rise to 40% with online sports betting hitting 25%, CEOs warn of job losses and reduced investment
The post “The government has chosen not to listen” – Operator CEOs on the new RGD and GBD rates first appeared on EGR Intel.