It feels like every time we mention Gambling in the UK, whether in an article, a presentation or a training session, we say now is more important than ever to keep up to date with changes… Whatever you do make sure you’re signed up to the e-bulletin’s, check the GC News page and look out for consultations.
It’s safe to say the start of 2026 has not broken this trend! The following is a quick run down of the current or incoming changes to be prepared for, including the open consultations to respond to.
Increase to operator fees
Perhaps the most important for some operators? The consultation launched by DCMS on 29 January 2026 is open until 29 March 2026 with any changes coming into effect from 01 October 2026.
There are three options for the increase of fees:
Option 1: 30%
Option 2: 20%
Option 3: 20% + 10% ringfenced for tackling illegal markets and protecting licensed operators’ revenue from criminal activity.
These relate to new applications, annual fees, personal licences, variations, change of corporate control applications… the lot.
These are overall increases though, with the actual fees being calculated based on market share and weighted by regulatory risk (other than General Betting Limited, ELM’s and Society Lotteries).
Illegal Gambling Taskforce announced
Another announcement at the end of January, tying in quite nearly with Option 3 above, the UK Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross has announced the formation of an Illegal Gambling Taskforce in an attempt to tackle the increasing risk of black market operators.
Between the tax increase and the proposed increase in fees, the GC look to be setting aside serious funding to assist this ongoing battle. This is likely to include a holistic look at the gambling industry as a whole – from the software manufacturers to payment providers. It is clear that GC operators will be expected to play their role; the GC do not really have direct access to the unregulated market, but they can attempt to starve it out by ensuring their regulated operators blacklist any of their own providers who are linked to the black market.
Tighter restrictions on removal of machines in AGCs
Last month it was announced that from 29 July 2026 all AGC operators must immediately remove any machines from their premises if the GC informs them that any aspect of the machine – from the manufacture to the repairs- has not been correctly carried out in reliance on a gaming machine technical operating licence.
Of course AGC operators should already be ensuring their gaming machines are fully compliant, but this appears to be focusing on the speed at which the GC (and AGC operators) can protect customers.
Consultation on update to the destination of regulatory settlements
The most recent consultation to be launched relates to the regulatory settlements. This may seem like a tick box exercise, with the introduction of the Statutory Levy and the winddown of GambleAware, but for anyone affected by these payments it is critical to get involved and have your say. At the moment, the main proposal is to simply align the regulatory settlements with the other financial penalties and put them straight into the Consolidated Fund.
https://consult.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/policy/consultation-sop-destination-reg-settlements/
Key Event Reporting
From 19 March 2026 the new LCCP 15.2.1 comes into force, raising the reporting thresholds for relevant persons and expanding its definition to include entities without share capital (excluding lotteries)
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024
The DMCCA 2024 will result in an update to LCCP 7.1.1 and SR Code 5.1.9 from 06 April 2026 – replacing the wording relating to the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The DMCCA may also result in changes to SR Code 6.1.1 relating to ADR regulations, however there is no date for this yet.
For any further information on any of these changes or proposals please contact Amanda@woodswhur.co.uk or your usual WW contact.