Brown Urges Gambling Tax Hike to Cut Child Poverty

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise taxes on the gambling industry, particularly online casinos and slot machines, to generate £3.2 billion annually. The proposal aims to fund the removal of the two-child benefit cap and benefit cap, which could lift approximately 500,000 children out of poverty. The IPPR's plan is supported by child welfare charities and comes amid economic challenges, with the proposed tax rates intended to align with international standards. The Betting and Gaming Council has criticized the plan, warning it could drive gambling underground and harm the industry. New data shows over 60% of gambling profits come from just 5% of users, many of whom experience significant harm. Chancellor Reeves has not ruled out the proposals, and a review of gambling taxes is in progress ahead of the autumn budget.