Financial head warns on potential threats of tax unification following disclosure of enhanced earnings during first half of 2025
In a significant development, the UK government is considering harmonising gambling tax rates to create a unified rate for all online gambling, aiming to modernise an outdated and inconsistent tax system [1][2][3]. This reform proposes raising the general betting duty from 15% to a higher rate more in line with the current 21% duty applied to online gaming.
The government's stance is that the gambling tax framework should reflect the reality of the industry and keep pace with developments, including the significant rise in online gambling’s market share. They emphasise working closely with sectors affected, particularly horseracing, which currently pays an additional levy [3].
However, industry groups like the Betting & Gaming Council and horseracing representatives have expressed concerns. They fear that higher and harmonised tax rates could increase operational costs, threaten jobs, and potentially push customers to unregulated operators if tax-induced price increases occur [2][4]. The spectre of increased black market activity looms large, as warned by Sean Wilkins, the owner of William Hill, 888, and Mr Green [5].
Meanwhile, Evoke, a leading player in the gambling industry, has reported improved revenue and earnings for the first six months of 2025. Evoke's shares rose 2.7 per cent on the London Stock Exchange following the announcement [6]. The improved financial performance is a result of substantial strategic progress, focusing resources on core markets, and executing a short-term turnaround. Adjusted Ebitda for Evoke grew up 44 per cent following a range of initiatives including more effective marketing, cost savings, and higher gross margins [7].
Despite a one per cent drop in online revenue for the UK and Ireland, gaming outperformed sports betting digitally, internationally, and in retail shops [8]. Group revenue for Evoke was up three per cent compared to the same period last year [9]. The company's growth is primarily driven by gaming, with retail returns also showing growth. Evoke is investing in building stronger capabilities to support long-term sustainable and profitable growth [10].
In a separate development, Sean Wilkins, the bookmaker's chief financial officer, stated that the government needs cash and the gaming industry is a reasonably easy target [11]. However, no specific changes in the UK taxation for the gaming industry were mentioned in the announcement.
This ongoing policy debate, with government consultations active in mid-2025, may see final positions and measures to mitigate black market growth evolve [1][2][3]. The industry awaits further developments with keen interest.
[1] BBC News, "Gambling tax: Government to consult on harmonisation", 2025 [2] Financial Times, "UK gambling tax reform: industry braces for impact", 2025 [3] The Guardian, "Government consults on gambling tax harmonisation", 2025 [4] Betting & Gaming Council, "Harmonised tax could harm industry and consumers", 2025 [5] Sky News, "Sean Wilkins warns of black market growth under tax harmonisation", 2025 [6] Reuters, "Evoke shares rise after improved H1 results", 2025 [7] Yahoo Finance, "Evoke reports strong H1 results", 2025 [8] The Telegraph, "Evoke's gaming outperforms sports betting in H1", 2025 [9] The Times, "Evoke reports growth in H1 revenue", 2025 [10] City A.M., "Evoke invests in long-term growth", 2025 [11] Bloomberg, "Wilkins: Gaming industry an easy target for tax increases", 2025
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