A recent YouGov poll has highlighted that a significant 90% of UK betting shop customers combine their visits with other local activities, including shopping and spending. The survey, which included the opinions of 1,475 adults, showed that 54% of respondents engage in additional local spending on most or nearly every visit to a betting shop.
The results, shared on the website of major operator Entain, emphasize the broader financial influence of retail betting in the UK, coinciding with the approach of the autumn budget.
Entain operates a vast network of retail outlets under its Ladbrokes and Coral brands. Bejay Patel, managing director for the UK and Ireland at Entain, underscored the significance of betting shops in bolstering high streets and local economies. "This research confirms what our hard-working colleagues know to be true – betting shops are a cornerstone of every high street and provide a boost to local business," he stated. He added, "We need to recognise the important contribution betting shops make to our economy and local communities alike."
The YouGov poll also addressed the social aspects of retail betting, revealing that 68% of participants view betting shops as established fixtures of high streets. Additionally, 60% of those surveyed believe that these establishments create local employment opportunities. An overwhelming 76% of betting shop customers rated these venues positively for socializing, closely matching the 77% approval rating for cafés.
Entain aims to promote the positive impacts of betting shops through its What’s at Stake campaign.
However, the timing of this poll’s release is challenging for retail betting shops across the UK. Companies like Betfred and Evoke have shuttered several locations this year, while Flutter recently announced impending job losses for 1,400 positions in its UK and Ireland operations due to restructuring efforts.
The industry has faced difficulties due to the remote gaming duty increase from 21% to 40%, introduced in April. Additional hurdles may arise as Labour MPs recently urged Chancellor John Healey to consider raising machine games duty, potentially increasing it from 20% to 40%. Reports suggest this might be moderated to a cap of 25%.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, cautioned that even a modest tax hike could inflict further pressure on the struggling UK betting industry. "Any further tax increase would heap more pressure on an industry already facing substantial tax rises, threatening jobs, high streets and vital funding for British racing," she warned. She called for the Chancellor to weigh the full economic repercussions of such increases ahead of the upcoming budget, advocating for the protection of jobs, businesses, and the broader sport that relies on the regulated industry.
