Scottish Greens Propose New Levy on Gambling Venues

A New Layer of Taxation — and Responsibility

The proposal forms part of the party’s 2026 manifesto plans. It focuses on casinos, bookmakers, and other land-based gambling venues. These businesses would face an added charge through non-domestic rates.

The levy would sit alongside the UK-wide gambling levy introduced last year. That earlier measure already applies to operators across the country. Now, the Greens want an extra layer — focused only on physical venues.

Party leaders say the goal is clear. Revenue would support addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services. It could also fund wider public health programs linked to gambling harm.

Political Message — Who Pays for Harm?

Gillian Mackay, co-leader of the plan, has put the plan in plain terms. She claims that certain firms make money off of vulnerability and addiction. In the meantime, the social and economic burden is usually imposed on communities.

The levy will assist in moving that balance, according to party statements. When the companies gain out of the malicious conduct, they might be required to finance remedies. Such an argument might appeal to voters worried about the cost of public health.

Nevertheless, the proposal may face resistance from operators. Many already contribute under existing rules and levies. Another charge could raise concerns about costs and competitiveness.

Influence Beyond Size — Greens’ Growing Role

The Scottish Greens remain smaller than major parties like Labour or the SNP. Yet their influence has grown in recent years. Between 2021 and 2024, Green members held ministerial roles under a coalition deal.

Recent polling suggests the party could secure up to 17 seats. If that happens, they may become Scotland’s second-largest political force. Such a shift could give their proposals more weight in future negotiations.

Sponsorship Bans — Sport in The Spotlight

Beyond taxation, the Greens also want stricter rules on sponsorship deals. Their plan includes a ban on gambling sponsorships in sports. This could affect several high-profile partnerships across Scotland.

Key examples include:

• The Scottish Professional Football League sponsored by William Hill

• Celtic featuring Dafabet branding on team shirts

• Rangers displaying Unibet logos during matches

• The Scottish Grand National backed by Coral

In England, clubs have agreed to remove front-of-shirt sponsors soon. Scotland has not reached a similar agreement yet. The Greens’ proposal could push that debate forward — quickly.

What Comes Next — Policy or Pressure?

The levy proposal remains part of a broader manifesto plan for now. It would still require support across parliament to become law. However, it signals growing political focus on gambling harm and funding.

At the same time, public health groups may welcome the added funding stream. The debate now moves to voters — and then possibly to lawmakers.