HMRC Data Highlights Remote Gaming Duty Increase Following Rate Adjustment in 2026
Freya Bauer · Oct 5, 2026

HMRC Data Highlights Remote Gaming Duty Increase Following Rate Adjustment in 2026

Provisional HMRC data shows that remote gaming duty receipts for July 2026 rose more than 108% year-on-year to nearly £590 million from £283 million in the prior period, and this jump followed the rate increase from 21% to 40% that took effect in April 2026. Observers note the overall gambling duties collected between April and July 2026 reached £1.93 billion, which represents a 19% rise or £309 million compared with the same four months a year earlier, while remote gaming duty accounted for half of that total.
Breakdown of the July Figures
Data indicates the single-month receipt of nearly £590 million in July 2026 came directly after operators adjusted to the new 40% rate that replaced the previous 21% level, and this produced a year-on-year increase exceeding 108% when measured against the £283 million recorded in July 2025. Those who track HMRC releases point out that the figure forms part of a wider pattern in which remote gaming duty contributed substantially to the £1.93 billion collected across the April-to-July window. The period covers the first four months under the revised rate, and the 19% overall growth in gambling duties reflects both the higher rate and any volume changes that occurred during those months.
Contribution to Total Gambling Duties
Figures reveal that remote gaming duty made up half of the £1.93 billion collected from April through July 2026, which means the remaining duties from other gambling sectors supplied the other half. This split shows how the remote gaming segment now carries greater weight in the overall tax take following the April adjustment. Researchers who examine these provisional numbers note the £309 million year-on-year increase across all gambling duties, and they connect that growth to the remote gaming duty component that doubled in the July snapshot. The data covers a timeframe that begins immediately after the rate change and runs through the summer months when activity levels often vary.

Context Around the April 2026 Rate Change
The rate moved from 21% to 40% effective April 2026, and the July receipts reflect the first full month under the new structure after operators had time to implement the adjustment. Provisional data on remote gaming duty receipts for July 2026 and April–July 2026 financial year-to-date shows the scale of the increase in monetary terms. Those who follow Treasury receipts observe that the nearly £590 million collected in July alone exceeds the entire previous July total by more than double, while the four-month cumulative figure demonstrates sustained higher inflows. The 108% year-on-year jump in the monthly number and the 19% rise across the April–July period provide the measurable outcomes reported in the latest release.
Industry participants expressed concerns prior to the rate change about possible effects on operator margins and player behavior, and those concerns remain part of ongoing discussions as the October 28 budget approaches. The provisional numbers give Treasury officials concrete data points to review when considering further fiscal measures. Observers note that the remote gaming duty share reaching half of total gambling duties marks a shift in the composition of receipts compared with earlier periods when other sectors contributed larger proportions.
Looking Ahead to the October 28 Budget
With the October 28 budget date approaching, the July and April–July figures supply one set of evidence on how the rate adjustment performed in its initial months. The data shows receipts rising substantially in the remote gaming category, yet questions about longer-term sustainability and any behavioral responses from operators or players continue to surface in industry commentary. The £1.93 billion total across the four months and the specific £590 million July amount stand as the factual benchmarks available at this stage. Those monitoring the situation point to the need for additional months of data before drawing conclusions about the full-year impact.
Conclusion
The provisional HMRC release supplies clear numerical outcomes for remote gaming duty in July 2026 and for the April–July 2026 period as a whole. The 108% year-on-year increase to nearly £590 million, the £1.93 billion cumulative total, and the 19% overall growth provide the measurable facts that policymakers and industry stakeholders will reference in the lead-up to the October 28 budget. Further updates from HMRC will add to this picture as the financial year progresses.