Poppleston Allen warns tax rises could accelerate UK betting shop closures

A gambling solicitor at Poppleston Allen has warned that rising costs and potential further increases to Machine Games Duty (MGD) could drive more closures on the UK high street, as major operators flag job and shop cuts.

Richard Bradley, gambling lead solicitor at the licensing firm, pointed to Entain considering axeing 400 jobs and Betfred claiming the duty will cause a similar closure for 495 shops within the next year as signs the sector is reassessing the viability of retail estates.

"It is definitely getting more challenging with the significant increase in operational costs, not least the significant increase in employer National Insurance contributions and the increase to gaming duty.

"The negative rhetoric around the sector does not help either, often with questionable use of various statistics. The threat of significant increases to MGD will be making many operators evaluate the long-term financial viability of their retail estate and several industry leaders have been announcing potential closures.

"If it is variety that is wanted on the high street, the Government should look at why there are so many closed premises with many non-gambling retailers struggling to remain profitable.

"Further increases to tax may well push venues to close, which does seem counterproductive if the aim is to generate income for Government coffers."