BGC Response to the Budget

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has expressed deep disappointment and concern at the Chancellor’s decision to raise Machine Games Duty (MGD) to 25%, warning that at this rate, EY projects almost 9000 people could lose their jobs and almost 1000 betting shops and casinos could close or be at serious risk of closure.

The industry is already absorbing last year’s £1.7 billion tax raid: online gaming duty rose to 40% in April 2026, while general betting duty is due to rise to 25% in April 2027. Since last year’s Budget, more than 600 betting shops have closed or announced closure, while over 11,000 jobs across the online and retail sectors have been lost or put at risk.

For Britain’s casinos, the increase will put venues and jobs at serious risk and undermine planned investment, despite recent Government reforms designed to encourage growth. There will be closures in the North of England and Scotland, with many previously closed venues still standing empty.

The impact will be felt across Britain’s high streets, where more than eight in ten betting shop jobs are outside London. Young people, working parents and carers are among those who will lose their livelihoods, often in communities where alternative employment is limited.

The tax rise will also put further pressure on the industry’s vital support for British sport, including annual contributions of around £350 million to horseracing and more than £40 million to the English Football League and Scottish football, alongside support for rugby league, darts and snooker.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “This is a deeply damaging decision and a blow to the thousands of workers, businesses and communities who depend on Britain’s regulated betting and gaming industry.

“The Chancellor has ignored repeated warnings about the consequences. At 25 per cent, EY projects almost 9,000 people could lose their jobs and almost 1,000 betting shops and casinos could close or be at serious risk. These are real people and families facing the loss of their income and security, in places where alternative work can be hard to find.

“For Britain’s casinos, the consequences will be significant. These are major employers and important contributors to local economies, yet this decision will force otherwise viable businesses to close and undermine investment before it can be delivered.

“Every betting shop or casino closure means lost livelihoods, more empty premises and another huge blow to our high streets. These venues will not simply be replaced, particularly in places already struggling to attract jobs and investment.

“Higher taxes on the regulated industry also will make the illegal gambling market more attractive to customers, where operators pay no UK tax, contribute nothing to British sport and offer none of the safeguards required of licensed businesses.

“We already contribute £6.8 billion to the British economy, generate more than £4 billion in tax and support 109,000 jobs. Yet the Government has chosen a course that will destroy jobs, close businesses and diminish the industry's contribution to the economy.

“The Chancellor has chosen a tax rise that will cost British jobs, close businesses and hollow out high streets, while handing an advantage to illegal operators. The Government cannot ignore the consequences of this decision.”