Consultation Launched On Gambling Commission Funding
The UK Government has today launched a formal consultation on proposed changes to how the Gambling Commission is funded, inviting industry and public views on potential licence fee reforms.
Published on 27 January by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the consultation sets out proposed revisions to the levels at which operating licence fees, paid by gambling operators to the Gambling Commission, are set. The move is aimed at ensuring the regulator has sufficient resources to carry out its core functions, recover costs and respond to ongoing challenges in the UK gambling market.
Proposed Fee Increase Options
The proposals include three distinct options for adjusting fee levels from October 2026, when any changes would take effect under secondary legislation. These range from a uniform 30% increase in annual fees, through a 20% increase, to a combined approach that rings-fences an additional 10% of fee revenue specifically for enforcement and efforts against the illegal gambling market.
DCMS’s consultation describes the fee review as informed by advice and data from the Gambling Commission, and it stresses the need for adjustments given the evolving regulatory landscape and cost pressures faced by the regulator. Stakeholders are invited to submit evidence and views on the proposals by 29 March 2026, with responses helping to shape any final policy decisions.
Who Can Respond And What Happens Next
The consultation is open to a wide range of respondents, including gambling operators, trade bodies, consumer groups and members of the public. In addition to views on fee levels, DCMS is seeking feedback on how fees should be set and how any increases might influence regulatory outcomes.
DCMS’s move follows concerns that the Gambling Commission’s existing fee income may be insufficient to sustain its regulatory programme without drawing on financial reserves. While the consultation document does not set final fee levels, it provides detailed options for reform that aim to balance industry funding with regulatory effectiveness.
Industry reactions are expected once responses begin to be submitted, particularly from licensed operators who may face higher costs if substantial increases are adopted. Government and regulator stakeholders have emphasised the importance of the consultation in shaping a funding model that enables robust enforcement, protects consumers and maintains the integrity of the licensed gambling market.
