This guide is general information about how UK gambling regulation works and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Regulations and figures change over time, so check the UK Gambling Commission and official sources for the current position before relying on any detail. 18+.
The UK Gambling Statutory Levy Explained
The statutory levy is a mandatory charge on gambling operators, introduced to fund the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm. It came into force through the Gambling Levy Regulations 2025 on 6 April 2025, replacing a previous system of voluntary donations that critics argued was inconsistent.
How much operators pay
The levy is charged as a percentage of an operator’s gross gambling yield, with rates banded by sector. Online operators and gambling software licences pay the top rate of 1.1%, while land-based betting and casino operators pay less, down to 0.1% for some categories. The rates reflect the relative risk and scale of different parts of the industry.
Where the money goes
The UK Gambling Commission collects the levy and it is directed towards research, prevention and treatment services, often shortened to RPT. The aim is a stable, ring-fenced funding stream – estimated at around £100 million a year – rather than relying on operators choosing how much to give voluntarily.
Why it was introduced
Under the old voluntary arrangement, some operators contributed very little. The statutory levy was a key recommendation of the 2023 White Paper, intended to make every licensed operator contribute a fair share and to put funding for treatment and research on a more secure footing. Operators that fail to pay risk losing their licence.
What it means for players
The levy is paid by operators, not players, and does not appear as a charge on your account. Its purpose is to expand the support available to people affected by gambling harm, including through NHS and charity treatment services.
Frequently asked questions
When did the statutory levy start?
It came into force on 6 April 2025 through the Gambling Levy Regulations 2025, with the first operator payments due later that year. It replaced the previous voluntary contribution system.
How much is the levy?
It is a percentage of gross gambling yield, banded by sector. Online operators pay the highest rate of 1.1%, while some land-based categories pay as little as 0.1%.
Do players pay the levy?
No. It is charged to operators and collected by the Gambling Commission. It funds research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm rather than being a charge on customers.
What does the levy money pay for in practice?
It is ring-fenced for research, prevention and treatment, often shortened to RPT. In practice that means funding for treatment services, including NHS provision, for education and prevention work, and for independent research into gambling and its effects. The point of moving from voluntary donations to a mandatory levy was to make this funding stable and predictable, so services can plan ahead rather than depending on how much operators chose to contribute in a given year.
Related guides: The Gambling Act Review White Paper · Gambling winnings and tax · Responsible gambling tools
18+. Please gamble responsibly. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money, and you should only stake what you can afford to lose. For free, confidential support, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (run by GamCare, free and open 24/7) or visit BeGambleAware.org. If you want to take a break, GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from UK-licensed online gambling sites free of charge (begambleaware.org · gamstop.co.uk). Fortune Games operates under UK Gambling Commission licence 39175.