The Gambling Business Group has dismissed claims put forward by the Gambling Commission that an increase in licensing fees is a necessity, highlighting the fact that the cost of “nonsensical” decisions made by the organisation are being unfairly borne by operators who already contribute significantly to regulatory administration.
The Gambling Business Group has published its response to the Gambling Commission’s latest fee consultation, which dismisses the supposed need for an increase in licensing costs by criticising the regulator’s administrative and economic reasoning.
The industry body refused to align itself with any of the three proposed increases between 20 and 30 percent, suggesting by way of concession “a small inflationary increase” alongside an interrogation of the Commission’s own cost management.
“Based on the information provided, we do not believe that the Gambling Commission’s proposals are thorough or robust enough when evaluating ‘value for money,’” states the response.
“First annual, application and maintenance fees have no link to increases in the size of the black market, therefore it is not logical to expect them to contribute towards the Commission’s activities in this area.”
One key element the GBG takes issue with is the Commission’s statement that its move to a government hub will double accommodation costs, noting “the business case for such a move does not make sense,” particularly as most staff are hybrid or home-based workers.
“It should be recognised that those that the Commission is expecting to pay for this nonsensical proposal would not entertain such change in their own businesses as it would be regarded as irresponsible.”
The proposals to allow the Commission to consult on its own fee changes in future were also questioned by the group, which could lead to “much more frequent (and potentially uncontrolled) increases.”
Noting a lack of detail and transparency in the Commission’s intention to raise an additional £2.6m to counter illegal activity, the GBG added “how much are the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, HMRC and the Home Office contributing to help tackle black market activity?”
“All of these government departments have a vested interest in stopping this illegal activity and yet the consultation suggests that only the licensed gambling industry will be contributing.”
Additionally, the GBG’s response highlighted the substantial contribution operators already make to regulatory activity as part of their local authority licensing requirements, adding that operators will still be expected to maintain and likely increase their own compliance activity with a dramatically-reduced budget.
Without justification
GBG consultation response said… “Based on the information provided, we do not believe that the Gambling Commission’s proposals are thorough or robust enough when evaluating ‘value for money … annual, application and maintenance fees have no link to increases in the size of the black market, therefore it is not logical to expect them to contribute towards the Commission’s activities in this area…
Originally published on Coinslot on April 13, 2026. Republished with permission.