The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has proposed a dramatic increase in UK gambling tax rates, potentially doubling current levels. It claims the rise could generate over £3 billion annually and be used to end child poverty-related policies like the two-child benefit cap. Despite industry concerns, the IPPR asserts that fears of players turning to the black market are exaggerated and unsupported by data.
The proposals suggest raising remote gaming duty from 21% to 50%, general betting duty from 15% to 25%, and machine games duty from 20% to 50%. These measures, the IPPR argues, would better reflect the industry’s profitability and social costs especially considering operators’ VAT exemptions and low corporation tax contributions.
