Gambling Commission licence fees rise 25%: what it means for slot sites
Online casinos and other gambling businesses have been paying 25% more for most Gambling Commission licences since 1 October 2026. The government says the increase is needed to fund the regulator’s work, including enforcement against unlicensed sites; operators say it adds to costs already pushed up by tax rises.
By the Best Slots UK team. Published .
Key points
- A headline 25% increase applies to most operating licence, application and annual fees from 1 October 2026.
- DCMS consulted from 27 January to 30 March 2026 on 30%, 20% and 20%-plus-10% options and chose 25%.
- Society lottery fees are frozen; personal licences and single machine permits also rise 25%.
- Fees were last reviewed in 2021; the Commission reported a funding deficit of around £4 million a year.
- Fees are paid by operators, not players.
| In force | 1 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Headline rise | 25% |
| Consultation responses | 47 |
| Last review | 2021 |
| Exempt | Society lotteries (frozen) |
What changed
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed on 30 June 2026 that it would not proceed with any of the three options it had consulted on, a 30% rise, a 20% rise, or 20% plus a ring-fenced 10%, and would instead apply a headline 25% increase through secondary legislation from 1 October. Most operating licence fees, application fees, personal licences, supplementary licences, licence variations and changes of corporate control rise by 25%; first annual fees stay at 75% of the full annual rate. The increase is not spread evenly across every licence type, and society lotteries are frozen.
Why fees went up
Fees fund the Commission’s regulation of the industry. They were last reviewed in 2021, and the government’s response pointed to a funding gap and to compliance assessments in 2025/26 in which around a quarter found significant failings. Separately, the Commission has £26 million from the Treasury over three years for tackling illegal gambling, which has driven a record quarter of enforcement.
What it means for players
Licence fees are a cost for operators, not a charge on players, and they are small next to the 40% Remote Gaming Duty on online casino revenue. But the combined squeeze of tax, fees and regulation is one reason operators are trimming marketing and staff. For players, the regulator’s funding pays for protections you rely on: licence checks, enforcement against unfair terms such as slow withdrawals, and action against illegal sites. Every casino we feature holds a Gambling Commission licence; check the account number on any slot site review.
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Frequently asked questions
How much did UK gambling licence fees rise?
Most Gambling Commission licence fees rose by a headline 25% from 1 October 2026.
Do players pay Gambling Commission fees?
No. Licence fees are paid by gambling businesses to fund the regulator.
Why did the government raise gambling licence fees?
To cover the cost of regulation after fees were last reviewed in 2021, as the Commission faced a funding gap and more compliance work.
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