UK gaming tax intake rises in H1 of 2022-23, but remote duty down

The largest contributors to this figure is the Lottery Duty, which represents 30% of the total, and the Remote Gaming Duty which contributes 28% of the total. However, both the duties declined both in absolute terms and percentage of the total from same period the previous year.   

The 2022 figures had a high degree of variability month to month, demonstrating both seasonal variation and a decreased month-to-month stability in the figures post-pandemic – as commented on by HRMC.

“Since the 2020-21 financial year, monthly receipts have been more unpredictable and, instead, receipts across each quarter are now more representative,” it said.

As a result, the figures had a large range. At the high end, almost £500m of the total was gathered in April alone – while in September, just £93m was received by the public purse.  

The fall in the total recorded for Remote Gaming Duty could reflect wider trends in online gambling. Many large operators reported lower UK revenue totals in their Q2 financial reports – citing increased self-imposed consumer protections ahead of the UK gambling white paper, hits to consumer spend and tough comparables.

These taxes; including Machine Games Duty, Gaming Duty and Bingo Duty; increased since the same time the previous year. This is likely due to retail betting venues and casinos not being disrupted or closed by the Covid-19 pandemic in the six-month period in question, after closures or other limits in prior periods. However, receipts for these duties still remain generally below their pre-pandemic peak.