UK to Raise Machine Games Duty on Category B Machines to 25%

In the Autumn Budget, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey announced that the government will raise the Machine Games Duty on Category B machines from 20% to 25%. This policy change, effective April 1, 2027, is part of the government's broader fiscal strategy under Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase funding for HM Treasury. The announcement impacts major UK gambling operators, including Evoke plc, Entain, and Rank Group. Despite the tax hike, shares of these companies reportedly saw an increase following the budget announcement.