The new map of
global gaming.
UK tax pressure, the UAE's emerging regulated market and the payment infrastructure behind both.
Tax, licensing and payments now belong in one plan.
Gaming businesses can no longer treat tax, licensing, acquiring and settlement as separate workstreams. A market-entry decision is only as strong as the infrastructure that makes it work.
A new margin equation.
HM Revenue & Customs increased Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2026. A new 25% remote rate of General Betting Duty is scheduled from 1 April 2027, with stated exclusions for remote UK horseracing bets and bets placed through self-service terminals on licensed premises.
What boards should test
Rebuild the market P&L using the full cost of duty, bonuses, payment acceptance, fraud, chargebacks, reserves and settlement. When headline duty rises, small execution gaps become more expensive.
Official source: HMRC gambling duty changes.
An emerging federal framework.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority states that its mandate covers lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated gaming facilities or resorts. Its public register includes licensed operators and a growing group of gaming-related vendors.
What operators and suppliers should test
Begin with the licensing perimeter, approved counterparties and permitted activity. Then map the regulated entity, customer journey, payment methods, acquiring, settlement and ongoing evidence requirements.
Official sources: GCGRA regulated activities and GCGRA licensees.
Move from headlines to operating decisions.
What is the real net margin?
Measure revenue after duty, bonuses, payment cost, fraud, chargebacks and reserves.
Where does conversion fail?
Track authorisation by market, method, issuer, customer segment and payment route.
How does money settle?
Understand settlement timing, currencies, reserves, withdrawal performance and banking concentration.
Who owns the evidence?
Assign board-level accountability across licensing, tax, payments, compliance and treasury.
The winners will make licensing, payments and commercial execution work as one system.
Available for interviews, conference panels and advisory discussions on payments, iGaming, regulation and international market entry.