A recent YouGov poll has shown that 90% of UK betting shop customers engage in additional spending or activities during their visits. This survey, which collected responses from 1,475 adults in the UK, indicates that the majority of betting shop users incorporate local shopping or activities into their visits, with 54% doing so on most or nearly every occasion.
These findings shed light on the broader economic influence of retail betting in the UK, especially as the autumn budget approaches. Entain, a major player in the industry with its Ladbrokes and Coral brands, released the results, emphasizing the vital role betting shops play in bolstering high streets and local economies.
Bejay Patel, managing director for Entain Group in the UK and Ireland, remarked on the significance of betting shops, stating, "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. We need to recognise the important contribution betting shops make to our economy and local communities alike."
In addition to the economic implications, the YouGov poll also highlighted the social aspects of retail betting. A notable 68% of participants view betting shops as established fixtures on the high street, while 60% believe they contribute to local employment. Furthermore, 76% of betting shop visitors regarded these establishments positively as social venues, compared to 77% for cafés.
Entain has been actively promoting the positive impacts of betting shops through its What’s at Stake campaign.
However, these encouraging findings surface during a challenging time for UK retail betting establishments. Both Betfred and Evoke have shuttered a considerable number of their locations this year, and Flutter recently disclosed that 1,400 positions in its UK and Ireland operations are at risk due to a restructuring process.
The UK betting sector has faced significant pressures, notably from the increase in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%, implemented in April. As discussions around the upcoming autumn budget intensify, a group of Labour MPs has reached out to Chancellor John Healey, urging an increase in machine games duty from 20% to 40%. Reports suggest there may be a cap at 25%, but any rise remains controversial.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed concerns over potential tax increases, stating that even a 5% hike would be detrimental to the 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," Hurst noted. "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."
