UK: Tax Harmonisation & Industry Lobbying
The UK Treasury is actively considering harmonising remote betting and gaming duty rates, potentially aligning the 15 % rate on betting with the 21 % rate on online gaming or even up to 35 %. Racing industry leaders warn this would significantly undercut revenues, threatening £66 million‑£160 million annually and risking hundreds of jobs and racecourse closures.
In response, the Betting & Gaming Council has launched a coordinated charm offensive in Westminster. The campaign includes social events—such as a darts evening—meeting with ruling and opposition party figures, and emphasising the potential economic disruption from higher taxes.
Parallel pressure is coming from Labour backbench MPs via the APPG on Gambling Harm, urging wholesale reform, including replacing the 2005 Gambling Act, banning addictive products, curbing advertising, especially to children, and shifting ownership of gambling policy to the Department for Health.
UK: Land‑Based Casino Reforms Implemented
On 22 July 2025, new Regulations under the Gambling Act 2005 came into effect. They permit expanded slot machine entitlements in larger casino premises: operators with over 500 m² gambling floor may operate up to 40 machines, or up to 80 in converted casinos with sufficient table area.
Detailed guidance clarifies when premises‑licence variations are needed, particularly related to layout changes and new betting services. Converted casinos can now offer self‑service betting terminals and remote betting activities under certain licence conditions.
Isle of Man: Pre‑MONEYVAL Legislative Reform
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has launched a consultation on major legislative amendments affecting seven key laws. With the 2026 MONEYVAL mutual evaluation in view, reforms include aligning with international anti‑money laundering standards and reinforcing oversight of both online and land‑based operators. Consultation closes on 13 August.
India (Karnataka State): Novel Regulatory Authority Proposed
The Karnataka Government has proposed a new regulatory authority under an amendment to the Police Act. It would comprehensively licence and regulate online gaming and betting, distinguishing games of chance and games of skill, banning unregistered platforms and empowering enforcement actions, audits, penalties and addiction support services.
Italy: Licensing Deadline Extended
Italy’s ADM (Customs & Monopolies Agency) has extended the deadline for submission of applications for new online gambling concessions from 17 September to 12 November 2025, citing procedural complexity. So far it has generated €365 million via fees, surpassing initial expectations.
New Zealand: Launching Online Casino Licensing
New Zealand has formally introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill, opening licensing to up to 15 operators under a three‑step, harm‑focused regulatory framework. Licence conditions prioritise consumer protection, marketing restrictions and exclusion rights for vulnerable individuals.
Reflection & Strategic Considerations
From my perspective, this week illustrates how licensing and regulatory environments are evolving rapidly across jurisdictions. The UK faces dual political and fiscal pressures, balancing public health, public finances, and industry sustainability. Concomitantly, other jurisdictions are modernising or erecting fresh licences, whether to align with international standards or regulate previously unlicensed markets.
For executives and regulators:
- In the UK, boardrooms must clarify business exposure to duty rate changes and engage constructively in consultations. Scenario‑planning is essential given racing’s heightened concerns and political momentum behind regulatory reform.
- In the Isle of Man and New Zealand, operators must prepare to engage with consultations or licensing regimes that emphasise compliance readiness, consumer protections and AML safeguards.
- In Karnataka, proposed definitions between chance and skill-based gaming demand legal precision, and operators seeking clarity now should assess whether their offerings would qualify under upcoming licensable frameworks.
Ultimately, these developments underscore a broader strategic shift: licensing is no longer merely a threshold requirement; it is increasingly a lever of policy, tax, public health and socio‑economic management. The question for executives is whether licensing and compliance functions are sufficiently embedded into strategic decision‑making to navigate accelerating reform.