Every online casino operating in the UK pays tax on the money it takes in from games. This tax is called Remote Gaming Duty (RGD), and it’s one of the reasons the online casino industry looks different in 2026 than it did a couple of years ago.
If you play online casino games at all, it’s worth understanding what this tax is, because it shapes bonuses, wagering terms and the general shape of the market you’re playing in. You can play online casino games through a UK licensed operator, and knowing how the tax system works behind the scenes helps explain what you see on screen.
What Remote Gaming Duty actually is
RGD is a tax charged on an operator’s gross gaming revenue. That’s the total amount taken in from casino games, minus what’s paid out in prize money.
It applies specifically to remote gambling, meaning games played online rather than in a physical setting. It doesn’t come out of your bankroll directly. Instead, it’s paid by the operator on the revenue it generates from all UK players combined.
Why the rate changed in 2026
From 1 April 2026, RGD rose from 21% to 40% of gross gaming revenue. This was one of the most significant changes to come out of the wider UK gambling reform, and it nearly doubled the tax bill operators pay on casino activity. The change sits alongside other reforms introduced around the same period, including new stake limits on online Slots and stricter affordability checks, all part of a broader effort to tighten regulation across the sector.
What this means for your online casino account
You won’t see RGD listed anywhere on your account, but its effects tend to show up indirectly. With a larger share of revenue now going towards tax, operators have less room to fund the promotions and welcome offers that were common before 2026.
Wagering requirements on bonus funds are also capped, currently at a maximum of 10 times the bonus amount, which is considerably tighter than the terms that existed a few years ago.
How gross gaming revenue is calculated
Gross gaming revenue is worked out per game type, not per player. An operator adds up everything staked across its online casino games, then subtracts what was paid back out in winning combinations. The remaining figure is what RGD is calculated against. This is why the tax rise has had a broader effect across the whole online casino industry rather than being felt in one specific area of gameplay.
Why bonuses look different as a result
Alongside the RGD increase, mixed product bonuses have also been banned. Operators can no longer ask you to place a sports bet to unlock a casino offer, or vice versa. Combined with the higher tax rate, this has led to smaller, simpler promotions that are specific to one product rather than bundled together.
If you’d like a clearer picture of your own account, most UK licensed operators list current terms and limits directly within their site. For wider support around your gaming habits, trusted organisations are also available to offer guidance whenever it’s needed.
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