CEOs from Entain, Flutter UK & Ireland, bet365, Bally’s Corporation, evoke, and Betfred signed the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) letter, which responds to proposals to double MGD on Category B machines from 20% to 40%. They also want the planned increase in online General Betting Duty, from 15% to 25% in April 2027, delayed until the effects of earlier tax changes are clear.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst stated:
“Our members have delivered a stark warning to the chancellor. Further tax rises will close more businesses, cost thousands more jobs and damage British sport, while potentially leaving the Treasury worse off.”
Betfred chairman and co-founder Fred Done added:
“Betting shops have been my life, but I’m deeply worried about this budget. We need to be absolutely clear: any increase in machine games duty will mean a bloodbath in terms of shop closures, job losses, and a free pass for the black market.”
The letter cites BGC-commissioned EY analysis estimating that a 40% rate could close another 690 to 1,470 betting shops and 28 to 34 casinos, cost 11,600 to 15,900 jobs and cost the Treasury up to £124 million overall. Additionally, horse racing could lose at least £40 million in levy and media rights income. Since the 2025 Budget, which raised Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, more than 600 shops have shut, and 10,250 jobs have been cut or put at risk, according to the letter.
