The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has raised concerns over the potential impact of additional gambling taxes on employment, investment and British racing, citing recent job cuts and business closures across the regulated industry.
The warning follows reports that the Treasury is considering increasing Machine Games Duty from 20% to 25% in the upcoming Budget, adding to tax changes already affecting gambling operators.
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst pointed to recent developments at major operators, including betting shop closures at Betfred, proposed job cuts at Entain and bet365, and Flutter’s announcement this week that up to 1,400 positions could be lost.
The industry is already facing a near doubling of Remote Gaming Duty and preparing for a substantial increase in General Betting Duty. According to the BGC, another tax increase could place additional financial pressure on operators making decisions about staffing, investment and business continuity.
Hurst also questioned whether further tax increases would deliver the intended revenue gains, arguing that potential business closures, employment losses and reduced investment should be considered when assessing their economic impact.
“The Treasury must resist poorly evidenced calls for further increases without considering the wider economic impact,” said Hurst. “Higher taxes do not automatically mean higher revenues, particularly when they lead to business closures, people losing their jobs and reduced investment.”
The council maintains that additional taxation could affect high street businesses and financial support for British racing, alongside employment across the wider regulated gambling sector.
“With the Budget still to come, we urge the Chancellor to consider the full economic consequences of any further tax increases and protect the jobs, businesses and British sport that depend on the regulated industry,” Hurst added.