Majority of Britons back more tax on online gambling as calls for change grow ahead of Autumn Budget

A new poll suggests that more than half (52%) of Britons support increased taxes on online gambling, with many prioritizing increases in gambling duties over other taxes such as income tax, VAT, and fuel duties.

This comes as the Social Market Foundation (SMF) released a report calling for a significant increase in Remote Gaming Jobs from 21% to 42%, which could generate £900 million for the Exchequer.

Online gambling, particularly casino games, has been linked to high rates of injury, with an estimated financial cost of over £1 billion. The SMF report, written by Dr James Noyes and Dr Aveek Bhattacharya, says the sector is currently exempt from tax and highlights that UK operators pay higher taxes in other countries.

With the UK facing a £22 billion deficit, the report urges the government to seize this opportunity, overhaul the outdated tax system and tackle the social costs associated with gambling.