Government launches consultation on Gambling Commission fee overhaul

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has begun seeking views on a proposed restructuring of Gambling Commission operating licence fees, with changes scheduled to take effect from 1 October 2026. The consultation, published on 27 January 2026, outlines three potential models for increasing fees paid by gambling operators.

According to DCMS, the review has been shaped by advice and data from the Gambling Commission, which argues that updated fees are necessary to ensure it can meet its statutory duties, respond to technological change, and strengthen consumer protections.

Three options for fee increases

The consultation sets out three possible fee‑increase scenarios, each designed to give the Commission different levels of financial capacity. While the government has not yet indicated a preferred option, the models vary in how much additional funding the regulator would receive and how that funding would be allocated across its functions.

DCMS says the options are intended to reflect the Commission’s growing workload, including oversight of online gambling, enforcement activity, and work linked to the government’s wider gambling reforms.

Focus on cost recovery and regulatory capability

The government notes that the current fee structure no longer reflects the Commission’s operational demands. The proposed changes aim to:

• Improve the regulator’s ability to recover its costs
• Strengthen its capacity to monitor compliance and enforce rules
• Ensure resources are directed to areas of highest regulatory risk
• Support the Commission’s long‑term financial sustainability

The consultation also includes a series of questions for stakeholders, covering the impact of the proposed fee levels, proportionality for different types of operators, and whether the options adequately support the Commission’s statutory functions.

How to respond

Stakeholders—including operators, industry bodies, consumer groups, and members of the public—can submit responses until 11:59pm on 29 March 2026. Submissions can be made by email or post to DCMS.

Once the consultation closes, the government will analyse responses before confirming its preferred fee model and laying the necessary regulations.