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Last Updated: September 22, 2025
The Liberal Democrats have pledged for stricter reforms on the UK gambling industry with taxes used to “help fund the NHS” at their annual conference in Bournemouth.
LIB DEMS BATTLING TO STAY HEARD
Although not expected to realistically challenge any of the parties in the next election, the Liberal Democrats are attempting to at least remain the third largest party in the country. However, with Reform UK looking more and more a greater threat to the two main parties, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Lib Dems.
The calls for stricter reforms are led by Max Wilkinson MP who mapped out the parties proposed policies for the gambling industry. The party plans to raise the Remote Gaming Duty tax from 21% up to 42%. This would be expected to leave Horse Racing and High Street Betting shops alone and instead ensure that the gaming tax is mainly shouldered on online operators.
“These reforms would not only save lives, but raise hundreds of millions of pounds to help fund NHS treatment for gambling addiction and prevent future harm,” Wilkinson said.
“The gambling industry has had a free pass for too long. Lib Dems will hold it to account and put people before profits – so that gambling in the UK can be safe, fair, and free from harm.”
FORMER PRIME MINISTER HAS HIS SAY
The debate surrounding gambling taxes has been ongoing for several years now. The online gambling scene has been especially hit further restrictions which have included stake limits on online slot machines as well as stricter affordability checks.
Former Labour leader Gordon Brown has also been vocal on increasing the amount of tax paid by the gambling industry in the UK. Brown wanted the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to hike the rate of tax as a way to pay for the government to cut the two child benefit limit. Brown said this would “free children from poverty”.
Understandably, those within the gambling industry have been critical of such words from the former Prime Minister including British and Gaming Council Chair Michael Dugher who is set to host Reeves at a reception for business leaders later this year.
Dugher is a former Labour MP who stood down whilst Jeremy Corbyn was the leader of the party.
CONTRIBUTORS
Greetings, I’m Iain Fenton
Iain has worked within the iGaming industry for over eight years and is an NCTJ accredited journalist. Iain brings with him a wealth of knowledge and comes from a writing and journalistic background.
