Key facts
- Betting shops support around 26,600 jobs in the UK.
- Operators state that increased gambling taxation risks making shops uneconomic.
- Betting shops contribute to British racing through the Levy and media rights.
Two of Britain's largest gambling operators, Entain and Rank Group, have issued a warning that potential tax increases in the upcoming Budget could lead to the closure of betting shops. The companies argue that disproportionate rises in retail gambling taxation, including a significant increase in Machine Games Duty, risk making some betting shops uneconomic to operate.
Betting shops employ approximately 26,600 people across the UK and are described as integral parts of high streets, providing staffed and regulated environments for customers. The operators contend that shop closures would not only result in job losses but also reduce activity on high streets and decrease funding for British racing through the Levy and media rights agreements. They also noted that some customers might turn to operators outside the UK's regulatory system.