Farage flies to Gibraltar to fight UK gambling tax rise
Gibraltar’s trade minister has been lobbying UK parties, CEOs & politicians ahead of the 28 October Budget.
The hit
Nigel Farage was welcomed by senior Gibraltar officials to discuss how to fight off a possible UK gambling tax increase, according to SBC News. Gibraltar hosts major UK-facing operators including Entain, bet365, evoke, Kindred Group & LiveScore Group, giving the territory a direct stake in the outcome.
Why it matters
A UK tax rise on Machine Games Duty would hit betting shops, Adult Gaming Centres & bingo halls, with industry estimates warning of job losses & venue closures. Because many operators run their UK-facing operations from Gibraltar, cost cuts there could replicate in the territory.
The record
| Current Machine Games Duty rate | 20% (SBC News) |
|---|---|
| Feared rate under discussion | Up to 40%, others expect a rise of only 5% (SBC News) |
| Previous tax rise | 2025 gambling tax increase already cutting operator revenues (SBC News) |
| Gibraltar lobbying meeting | Breakfast with CEOs & UK political figures, London, last week (SBC News) |
| UK Budget date | 28 October 2026 |
What happens next
Watch the UK Budget on 28 October, when Chancellor John Healey is expected to confirm the Machine Games Duty rate. Gibraltar’s trade minister Nigel Feetham says he is lobbying across the political spectrum before then.
Sources: Reform UK briefs Gibraltar on UK gambling woes
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