UK Government Increases Online Gambling Operator Fees by 55% — Land-based Operator Fees to Rise by 15%

UK Government Increases Online Gambling Operator Fees by 55% — Land-based Operator Fees to Rise by 15% today that fees for online gambling operators will rise by 55% marking the first rise since 2017. The increased fees are in response to the rising costs of regulation and will help the Gambling Commission respond to new risks and technological developments in the industry.

The 55% increase in the fees paid annually by online operators will come into effect from October 1st, 2021. Annual fees for land-based operators will increase by 15% and come into effect at the later date of April 6th, 2022. A later date was chosen for land-based operators due to the impact of Covid-19 on retail revenues.

In relation to the increase in fees, the Government stated:

The uplift in fees will provide the Gambling Commission with greater resources to tackle new challenges such as product and payment innovation. This new structure will mean that the Gambling Commission is better equipped to deal with the changing landscape of the gambling industry which has become increasingly global in nature. The regulator will also be better placed to address the risks associated with unlicensed operators and the need to protect consumers and the industry from ‘black market’ encroachment.

Application fees for operating licenses have been increased by 60% and there will no longer be any discounts for operators who hold multiple licenses for separate activities.