Gambling Commission signals “significant change” ahead for land-based sector

The UK gambling sector is entering a period of “potentially significant change”, according to Ian Angus Gambling Commission Director of Policy, who used his address at the Institute of Licensing Conference yesterday to outline the regulatory, economic and operational pressures shaping the industry.

Speaking to licensing authorities and stakeholders, Angus painted a picture of a sector that remains widely enjoyed but one that faces evolving regulation, shifting consumer behaviour and the impact of recent tax changes.

Land-based gambling remains stable… for now

Drawing on data from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), Angus confirmed that participation remains strong, with 48 percent of adults gambling in the past four weeks.

While online gambling continues to lead overall participation, the gap narrows significantly when lottery play is removed. In that context, in-person gambling (18 percent) remains broadly in line with online (16 percent)—reinforcing the continued relevance of land-based venues.

High street activity also remains steady. As of September last year, there were:

8,254 licensed gambling premises across Great Britain
5,782 betting shops
1,454 Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs)
Angus noted that while there have been minor shifts in numbers, they do not support the narrative of widespread expansion often portrayed in the media.

Budget changes expected to reshape the market

However, the more immediate pressure on the sector is coming from taxation changes introduced in the 2025 Budget.

These include:

Remote Gaming Duty rising to 40 percent from April 2026
General Betting Duty increasing to 25 percent from April 2027
The abolition of Bingo Duty
While the Gambling Commission does not comment on tax policy, Angus acknowledged that operators are already responding, with expectations that a number of premises will close over the coming year.

This, he suggested, could become visible in future regulatory returns data.

Focus on illegal gambling and enforcement

In response to the changing landscape, the Commission is set to receive £26 million in additional funding to tackle illegal gambling: marking a significant step up in enforcement capability.

Notably, Angus highlighted that this will allow greater focus on land-based illegal activity, an area where resources have historically been limited.

The Commission will continue to work closely with local authorities and police, reinforcing the importance of co-regulation across the country.

Machine standards and compliance tightening

For land-based operators, one of the most immediate regulatory developments relates to gaming machines.

Following consultation, the Commission has confirmed that from 29 July 2026, operators must remove machines immediately if instructed - where they are found to be non-compliant with technical or licensing standards.

The move is designed to streamline enforcement and ensure faster removal of problematic equipment, with a full consultation response expected later this summer.

Greater powers for local authorities

Looking ahead, Angus also pointed to proposed legislative changes that could give local authorities new powers to introduce Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs).

These would allow councils to take a more structured, evidence-based approach to licensing decisions in areas identified as vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

If implemented, GIAs could introduce a presumption against new premises licences in certain locations, though operators would retain the right to challenge decisions.

Data, regulation and the road ahead

As the Commission enters the final year of its current Corporate Strategy, its focus remains on:

Strengthening data and analytics
Setting clear, evidence-based requirements
Acting earlier and more proactively on risks
Enhancing operational efficiency
 

Angus acknowledged that the scale of change facing the industry may feel significant, but emphasised that the Commission’s core objective remains unchanged: to ensure gambling is safe, fair and crime-free.

A changing but resilient sector

For the land-based sector, the message was clear: while participation remains stable and the high street retains its role, external pressures; from taxation to regulation are likely to drive change in the near term.

At the same time, the Commission signalled a willingness to support innovation and improvements in customer experience, suggesting that operators who adapt effectively may be best placed to navigate the transition.

As Angus concluded, collaboration between regulators, local authorities and operators will remain critical as the industry moves through what is shaping up to be a pivotal period.

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30 April 2026

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