Here’s something that might affect your next spin: the UK government has confirmed a substantial rise in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD), doubling the tax on online casino operators from 21% to 40% from 1 April 2026. While you won’t pay this tax directly, it’s already changing how some online casinos operate – particularly when it comes to Slots.
If you play at UK casino sites, understanding what this means in practical terms can help you make smarter choices about where and how you play responsibly.
What is Remote Gaming Duty?
Remote Gaming Duty is a tax applied to profits generated by online gambling services offered to UK customers. This includes online Slots, table games, and live casino products. The increase to 40% represents one of the largest rises in UK gambling taxation to date and significantly increases operating costs for licensed casinos.
Because margins in online gambling are carefully balanced, many operators are looking for ways to offset the additional tax burden without removing games or restricting access altogether.
How casinos are responding to higher taxes
One of the most visible responses has been changes to Slot game settings. Many Slots are produced with multiple RTP (Return to Player) configurations – pre-set versions of the same game, each offering a different theoretical payout rate over time.
Casinos choose which RTP version of a Slot they host. In response to higher taxes, some operators have begun selecting lower RTP versions. The gameplay, visuals, and features remain identical, but the mathematical return to players over the long term is reduced.
This approach lets casinos retain a higher percentage of stakes, helping to absorb increased tax costs.
Understanding RTP and why it matters
RTP represents the percentage of total stakes that a Slot is expected to return to players over a very large number of spins – often calculated over billions of rounds. For example, a Slot with a 96% RTP is designed to return 96 coins for every 100 staked, in theory, over time.
Here’s the catch: RTP doesn’t guarantee individual outcomes. Short-term results can vary widely, but over the long term, lower RTP games generally return less to players.
Because many popular Slots exist in multiple RTP versions, the same game title can offer different values depending on where you play it. This makes RTP an increasingly relevant factor for UK players to check.
What this means for your gameplay
The practical impact of lower RTPs? Your balance might deplete more quickly when playing certain Slots. You may notice fewer winning spins or smaller average returns over longer sessions compared to higher RTP versions of the same game.
Slots remain chance-based games where any spin could land a matching combination. But statistically, the odds are less favourable over time. Understanding RTP helps you make more informed decisions about which games you choose and where you choose to play them.
How to check RTP before playing
Most UK-licensed online casinos display RTP information within the game itself. You’ll usually find it by opening the game and selecting the information or help menu. Some casinos also list RTP details directly on the game selection screen.
Are high RTP Slots still available?
Despite the tax increase, some UKGC-regulated casinos continue to offer higher RTP versions of Slots as part of their positioning. These sites might promote transparency or guarantees around Slot odds to stand out in a more competitive, regulated market.
However, availability can change over time, so it’s worth checking RTP details rather than depending solely on brand claims.
To conclude
The UK casino tax rise targets operators, but its effects can influence how games are configured and presented to you as a player. By understanding RTP, checking game information, and staying aware of how the market’s adapting, you can make more informed choices about where and how you play at UK casino sites.
Gambling should always be approached responsibly. Set limits on your time and spending before you play, and remember that all casino games are based on chance – outcomes are random, and there’s no guaranteed way to win.
