Betfred founder Fred Done has expressed concern that nearly 495 betting shops in the UK could be at risk of closure due to forthcoming gambling tax increases by 2030. The company recently announced the impending shut down of 132 outlets, which will result in approximately 600 job losses. Done pointed out that rising gambling taxes would exacerbate the current situation, which has already seen a significant decline in betting shops across Great Britain.
Currently, Betfred operates about 1,300 betting outlets and employs nearly 7,500 individuals. The recent announcement of closing 132 shops underscores the tough landscape facing brick-and-mortar gambling establishments. The UK government has increased the Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% as part of the Autumn 2025 Budget, with the new rate applying to online casino games and set to take effect in April 2026.
Betfred is not alone in this struggle. The company Evoke, which owns William Hill, has also indicated that it may need to close around 200 gaming shops as the rise in online taxes continues to affect its operations. Co-founded by Fred Done and his brother Peter in 1967, Betfred is now navigating the implications of these substantial gambling tax hikes, which Done believes could result in even more betting shop closures without significantly impacting the overall gambling industry.
The ongoing discussion regarding gambling taxation is focused on the delicate balance between increasing state revenue, the sustainability of the UK's retail betting network, and the growing trend of customers shifting from physical locations to online gambling platforms.
