Britain’s casinos are drawing visitors to town and city centres and generating business for nearby hospitality operators, thus playing a key role in supporting high streets, according to new research shared by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the Betting and Gaming Council.
The study, Beyond Gaming: The Evolution of Britain’s Land-Based Casinos as Nightlife Destinations, found that 41.1% of surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home. More than half, or 55%, said they probably or definitely would not have visited the local area, whilst 72.1% reported using at least one other local business during their visit.
The findings were unveiled at an event hosted by the Night Time Industries Association at London’s Hippodrome Casino on Wednesday.
Britain’s 108 licensed casinos support approximately 14,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract nearly 14 million visits annually, the report found.
The sector is also looking to capitalise on the Government’s 2025 casino reforms, which opened new opportunities for investment and modernisation. Casino operators have identified approximately £200 million (US$266 million) in planned capital investment over the next five years, covering hospitality facilities, entertainment venues and customer experiences.
However, uncertainty over potential changes to Machine Games Duty in the Autumn Budget could undermine business confidence and delay investment, the report warns.
“Britain’s high streets need businesses that give people a reason to leave home and spend time in our towns and cities,” said Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA. He noted that more than four in 10 surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home, whilst almost three-quarters had used another local business.
“Modern casinos support jobs, hospitality, entertainment and neighbouring businesses,” he said. “That contribution deserves recognition in the national conversation about high-street regeneration.”
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said casinos support restaurants, bars, hotels, and other businesses that depend on visitor spending.
“These findings show that Britain’s casinos have a vital role to play in supporting our high streets, creating jobs and bringing people into our towns and cities,” Hurst pointed out.
She said the Government’s reforms had given casinos opportunities to modernise, diversify, and invest, with around £200 million (US$266 million) in planned investment across the sector. However, Hurst warned that further tax pressures could hold back investment and growth.
“Businesses need certainty and confidence to invest, and further tax pressures risk holding back the very growth and regeneration we all want to see,” she said. “We should be backing well-regulated businesses that support jobs, investment and Britain’s high streets, not putting further obstacles in their way.”
The report also highlighted the need for a stable policy environment to support investment, jobs, and economic activity in local communities.