Two-thirds of UK players are ready to go to illegal immigrants when gambling taxes are raised

British players are not ready to tolerate an increase in the tax burden: 65% of them said that in the event of an increase in gambling taxes, they would look for workarounds - primarily illegal bookmakers and casinos. These are the results of a recent consumer survey conducted in the UK.

The reason for the discussion was the government's plans to change the tax model for online gambling. Now the country is consulting on the introduction of a new single tax on remote rates. According to the Ministry of Finance, the initiative is aimed at simplifying the tax system, and not at a real increase in rates. However, in the betting and online casino industry, such promises are perceived with caution: many fear that the tax burden will increase.

According to a survey conducted by the UK Betting and Gaming Council, two-thirds of active gamblers said they would switch to operators operating outside the legal framework if taxes become higher. And the black betting market in the country is already huge: according to the latest study, more than 1.5 million Britons annually bet more than £4 billion in the shadow market.

The head of the Betting and Gaming Board, Grain Hirst, had a tough say on the matter:

"These shocking figures clearly show the threat of unwise tax initiatives. Raising taxes will not lead to an increase in budget revenues – on the contrary, it will provoke a mass exodus of players from the legal market to illegal services where there are no guarantees of security and consumer protection. As a result, both the players themselves and the state will suffer."

So far, consultations on the new taxation model are ongoing. What decision the government will make is an open question, but the industry and players are clearly not ready to put up with a sharp tightening of conditions.