iGaming Daily Ep 660: Budget Narratives, Fault Lines and Exposures
Dec 2, 2025
Charlie Horner chats with Ted Menmuir, Editor-at-large at SBC, and Ted Orme-Claye, SBC News Editor, about the recent UK Budget's impact on the gambling sector. They dive into the hefty jump in remote gaming duty, triggering cautious responses from operators. The guests analyze how mid-tier and online-only operators are feeling the pressure, while some PLCs adapt their strategies cleverly. Market reactions are mixed, with intriguing investment shifts, and they ponder the future of online casinos amid evolving regulations. Who will rise amidst the chaos?
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Online Gambling Tax Structural Reset
- The UK government targeted online gambling precisely, raising remote gambling duty from 21% to 40% by April 2026.
- Ted Menmuir called this a structural reset aimed at transforming online gambling's economics.
Shock Shifted To Pragmatic Adjustment
- Initial industry reactions were extreme but have mellowed as worst-case forecasts did not materialise.
- Ted Orme-Claye noted the rise to 40% is severe but not as catastrophic as 50% scenarios that were floated.
Move Tax Impact To Boardroom Spreadsheets
- Boards must move this into spreadsheets and assess where to squeeze margins and cut costs.
- Ted Menmuir urged rapid, aggressive cost controls as the companies that acted fastest previously performed best.