Guide
Do you pay tax on gambling winnings in the UK?
Players in the UK do not pay tax on gambling winnings. Why that is, the limits of the rule, and which gambling duties operators pay instead.
No. There is no tax on gambling winnings in the UK for players: a win at an online casino, a slot jackpot, a bingo prize or a winning bet is yours in full, and you do not declare it to HMRC. The other side of the rule is that you cannot claim tax relief for gambling losses either. Instead of taxing players, the government taxes gambling operators through gambling duties.
On this page
Why gambling winnings are not taxed
HMRC's guidance treats betting and gambling as not being a trade. Because gambling is not a business activity in the tax sense, profits from it are not taxed as income and losses do not count as tax-deductible expenses. That is why the rule works both ways: no tax on the win, and no relief for money lost.
The principle is the same whether the win is £20 or £200,000 and whatever the game. The casino does not deduct tax before paying out, and there is no separate form to fill in for a gambling win.
What the rule does and does not cover
| Situation | Tax position |
|---|---|
| Winnings from casino games, slots, bingo or betting | Not taxed |
| Gambling losses | No tax relief |
| Interest earned later on winnings held in savings | Ordinary taxable income, like any other interest |
| People who say they make a living from gambling | Outside the scope of this guide; take professional tax advice |
Once winnings are in your bank account they are simply your money. Anything they earn from then on, such as savings interest, is treated like any other income. This page does not give tax advice for individual circumstances.
What gambling operators pay instead
The tax burden falls on the businesses that provide gambling. Online casino operators pay Remote Gaming Duty on their gaming profits, and bookmakers pay General Betting Duty. Several of the rates changed in 2026:
| Duty | Rate | From |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Gaming Duty (online casino and slots) | 40% (previously 21%) | 1 April 2026 |
| Remote betting within General Betting Duty | 25% | 1 April 2027 |
| UK horse racing bets | Stays at 15% | - |
| Bingo Duty | Abolished | 1 April 2026 |
Separately, a statutory gambling levy has applied since 6 April 2025. Online operators pay 1.1% of the previous year's gross gambling yield, which funds research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm.
Does the duty rise affect players?
The government's own explanation of the 2026 changes says players could feel them through odds or RTP, but it does not say they will, and no named casino's games or bonuses can be assumed to have changed because of the duty. What you can check is the RTP shown in each game's information screen; the guide to RTP explained sets out where to look. Bonuses are governed by the Gambling Commission's rules, including the 10x wagering cap on bonus funds that has applied since 19 January 2026.
Winnings, withdrawals and checks
Not paying tax does not mean a casino will pay out without questions. Licensed operators may ask for ID documents or information about where your money comes from before processing a large or unusual withdrawal, as part of their anti-money-laundering duties. That is a licence requirement, not a tax deduction. The casino withdrawals guide explains pending periods and method times, and ID and age verification covers what documents are usually requested.
Keep the money in perspective
A tax-free win is still the exception: over time, casino games return less than is staked, and no tax rule changes that. Treat any winnings as a bonus rather than income, and never gamble to cover bills or debts. Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over. If money worries are linked to gambling, the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is free and open 24 hours a day, and the responsible gambling page lists other support.
Questions readers ask
Do I need to declare casino winnings to HMRC?
No. Gambling winnings are not taxed in the UK, so a casino, slot or bingo win does not need to be reported as income.
Can I claim gambling losses against tax?
No. Because HMRC does not treat gambling as a trade, losses give no tax relief, in the same way that winnings are not taxed.
Is interest on gambling winnings taxed?
Yes. Once winnings are saved, any interest they earn is ordinary taxable income like interest on any other savings.
What tax do online casinos pay?
Operators pay Remote Gaming Duty on gaming profits, 40% from 1 April 2026, plus a statutory levy of 1.1% of gross gambling yield.