UK industry warns of illegal market surge following 5% rise in MGD

The five-percentage-point rise in MGD, announced by UK Chancellor John Healey on Wednesday, is considerably smaller than calls for a much higher 40% rate throughout the summer. While some figures expressed cautious relief that the increase was not as steep as had been predicted, others have issued sharp warnings that this tax hike could accelerate a shift of customers toward unregulated gambling operators. Operators and advisers have also highlighted that the new duty adds to several recent tax and regulatory changes affecting both retail and online gambling businesses.