HMRC sets out Remote Gaming Duty changes to freeplays and prizes
HM Revenue & Customs has published details of changes to Remote Gaming Duty rules covering freeplays, prizes and tournaments, due to take effect from April 2027.
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HM Revenue & Customs said on 28 October 2026 that it had published a tax information and impact note setting out changes to Remote Gaming Duty rules affecting restricted plays, commonly known as freeplays, along with prizes and tournaments.
According to HMRC, the measure will amend the Finance Act 2014. It will clarify how freeplays are accounted for when operators calculate their Remote Gaming Duty profits. This includes setting out when a freeplay that is won using another freeplay should be left out of those calculations.
HMRC said the changes will also alter the rules that determine when entering a tournament is treated as playing a game of chance for duty purposes. The definition of a prize is being revised as part of the same measure, including how payments made during gameplay are treated when they are returned to a player after a game is interrupted or ends early.
HMRC confirmed that the changes will take effect from 1 April 2027.
Source: GOV.UK.
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