The UK government has announced a significant increase in annual gambling licence fees, which will rise by 25% effective from 1 October.

This adjustment applies broadly, with the exception of society lotteries, which will remain exempt from licence fees. For general betting (limited) operating licences, the fee structure will shift to a market share-based approach, determined by gross gambling yield (GGY), rather than the previous model based on days of operation.

While the overall increase is set at 25%, it’s important to note that this adjustment will not be uniform across all types of operating licences, reflecting the consultations undertaken. Personal licence fees, as well as fees for variations and changes in corporate control, will indeed see a 25% hike in alignment with the standard increase.

The same applies to supplementary operating licences and single machine permits, although first annual fees will continue to be charged at 75% of the full amount.

Licensees are encouraged to consult Annexes One, Two, and Three for comprehensive details regarding the annual, application, and other fees applicable to each category of operating licence.

The government remains supportive of ongoing structural reforms to the Gambling Commission’s funding framework, aiming to empower the regulator to set its own licence fees. However, options for implementing primary legislation to facilitate this are currently limited.

The UK Government said: Our priority is to ensure that the Commission can effectively tackle its pressing challenges within the existing framework.