Gambling Commission announces leadership change, new operator services, and key regulatory updates

The Gambling Commission’s latest bulletin outlines several developments affecting licensed operators, including a senior appointment, new support services, regulatory clarifications, and forthcoming tax changes.

Leadership change: Sue Young appointed Executive Director of Operations

Sue Young has joined the Commission as Executive Director of Operations. She brings senior experience from HMRC, the Home Office, Border Force, and the Department of Health and Social Care. Her appointment reflects the Commission’s focus on strengthening operational oversight and regulatory delivery.

New Licence Support service for operators

A new Licence Support service has been introduced to give operators direct access to technical and licensing expertise.
Key features include:

• A single point of contact for technical and licensing queries
• Availability Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm
• Access via phone or email

The service follows a successful pilot and responds to operator feedback requesting clearer, more consistent guidance.

Updated rules on financial key event reporting

From 19 March, operators must comply with revised Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) requirements for financial key event reporting.
The changes reflect:

• Increasingly complex mergers and acquisitions
• Greater internationalisation of the gambling sector

Operators are advised to review their reporting processes to ensure compliance.

Statutory Gambling Levy guidance updated

The Commission has clarified that the statutory levy applies only to revenue from customers located in Great Britain. Revenue from customers outside Great Britain is not subject to the levy.
As a result:

• Levy invoices issued for non‑GB revenue are being refunded
• Affected operators have been contacted directly

Operators who believe they are due a refund but have not been contacted are encouraged to reach out to the Commission.

Bingo Duty to be abolished from April 2026

As confirmed in the 2025 Budget, Bingo Duty will be abolished from 1 April 2026.
Implications include:

• No Bingo Duty returns required for accounting periods beginning on or after that date
• Outstanding returns can still be submitted until April 2030
• Gambling Commission requirements for bingo operators remain unchanged
• Online bingo will continue to be subject to Remote Gaming Duty

HMRC will update its guidance in due course.