Richard Harris, CEO of Rank Group, addressed the challenges facing the UK’s retail casino sector in a fiscal update for FY2025/26 released this Thursday. He highlighted concerns about recent recommendations from anti-gambling advocates, particularly a report from the Social Market Foundation that suggested higher duties on 'higher-risk Category B electronic gaming machines.'
Harris criticized these anti-gambling campaigners for casting a shadow over the regulated gambling industry, arguing that recent measures would have detrimental effects. The gambling sector has dealt with an increase in remote gaming duty, raised from 21% to 40%, and the newly inaugurated Prime Minister Andy Burnham's initiative to empower local councils to impose restrictions on Adult Gaming Centers.
Harris referred to betting shops as “dodgy businesses,” drawing a parallel to the rise of vape shops seen in UK high streets. He cautioned that raising taxes could adversely affect the survival of land-based gambling establishments.
“Tax proposals from anti-gambling campaigners continue to cast clouds over a regulated industry that is proud to support jobs across the country, delivering great hospitality experiences to millions of customers,
