Fred Done, the founder of Betfred, expressed concerns that approximately 495 betting shops in the UK could be forced to close due to impending gambling tax increases planned before 2030. The company has already announced plans to shutter 132 of its locations, resulting in the loss of around 600 jobs.
Done warned that rising gambling taxes would lead to a further reduction of betting shops across Great Britain, which is already experiencing a decline in retail outlets. Currently, Betfred operates about 1,300 betting shops and employs nearly 7,500 staff.
As part of the Autumn 2025 Budget, the UK government raised the Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, effective from April 2026, specifically impacting online casino games. This isn't just a Betfred issue; Evoke, the parent company of William Hill, indicated that it may close around 200 gaming shops as a response to the increasing tax burden on online gambling.
Having co-founded Betfred with his brother Peter in 1967, Done remains confident that significant tax increases could result in the closure of some betting shops while still maintaining a healthy gambling business overall. The ongoing debate about gambling taxation revolves around the need for increased tax revenues and the future viability of Britain’s retail betting sector in the face of a growing online gambling market.
