Tax Planning
Essential Tax Planning Tips Ahead of Remote Gaming Duty Changes
The UK is about to significantly increase Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% from April 2026—learn how this impacts your business and what you can do now to prepare.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • April 14, 2026
## What’s changing under the new Remote Gaming Duty regime
Starting **1 April 2026**, the UK government will **increase the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) rate from 21% to 40%**. Bingo Duty will also be abolished from the same date. These changes come as part of a broader package to modernise gambling tax and raise over **£1 billion per year**.([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar?utm_source=openai))
Remote betting within General Betting Duty will see its rate increase to **25% from 1 April 2027**, though remote bets on UK horseracing will remain at **15%**.([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar?utm_source=openai))
## Who is affected
- Operators of online gaming platforms (slots, casinos) will be most impacted by the jump to 40%.
- Remote betting platforms will face pressure from 2027 onwards.
- Bingo clubs benefit from the abolition of Bingo Duty, providing cost relief.([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar?utm_source=openai))
## Planning strategies and actionable insights
**1. Review your pricing models**
With costs increasing due to higher duty rates, it may be necessary to adjust prices or fees to maintain profitability. Consider tiered revenue-sharing models or fees based on product categories.
**2. Analysis of product mix**
Platforms offering gaming and betting products should assess whether promoting betting content (lower duty from 2027) may offset the higher costs of gaming. Shift focus if it aligns with your brand and risk profile.
**3. Ensure compliance and tax forecasting**
Duty increases are effective on fixed dates—April 2026 and April 2027. Forecast cashflow impacts now to ensure you have liquidity for duty payments, and prepare for any compliance or audit risks associated with misreporting gaming vs betting categories.
**4. Capital investment and timing**
If planning major investments—UI upgrades, technology investments, advertising campaigns—it may make sense to complete them before April 2026 to avoid cost pass-through from increased duty. Similarly, defer any expansions likely to be strained by higher tax burdens.
## Example scenarios
| Scenario | Before April 2026 | After April 2026 onwards |
|---|---|---|
| A casino operator with £1 million in taxable remote gaming yield (RGY) | Duty at 21% = £210,000 | Duty at 40% = **£400,000** (difference of £190,000)
| A bingo club paying duty currently | Pays Bingo Duty (variable) | Duty abolished—potential savings margin depends on yield and overheads.
| Remote betting platform | 15% rate until April 2027 | Increased to **25%** from April 2027 for most products, except UK horseracing.
## Key takeaways
- The **duty changes are enacted and in law** as part of the Budget 2025 measures.([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar?utm_source=openai))
- Operators must plan for **significant cost increases**, especially gaming-only platforms, and consider rebalancing product portfolios.
- Bingo clubs have a win with the **duty’s abolition**, giving breathing space in a challenging economic period.
- Seek legal or specialist tax advice for classification issues (gaming vs betting vs horseracing), to ensure correct duties are paid.
Prepare now—ignorance won’t protect you when the rates rise. Carefully audit your revenue streams, product lines, and upcoming financial commitments to stay ahead.