Big betting and gambling firms are stepping up their lobbying in Westminster to block any tax increases being considered by the UK Treasury. Industry bosses are worried the autumn statement may bring stricter fiscal measures on gambling profits.

According to HM Treasury’s official records, executives have had multiple private meetings with government departments in recent months. These include the Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on:

  • Potential increases to remote gambling duty (currently 21%)
  • Opposition to mandatory industry levies
  • Regulatory risks following public health campaigns

The lobbying comes as there is growing political pressure to curb the gambling industry. Campaigners and cross-party MPs are calling for tighter regulations, citing addiction, mental health, and financial harm.

Insiders say the Treasury is looking at several options, including taxing online operators and new compliance costs. No decision has been made but the industry is clearly preparing for a more hostile fiscal environment.

It’s a bigger battle between public health and the economic might of a multibillion-pound industry.

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