The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in the UK has issued a stark warning that approximately 9,000 jobs are at risk due to recent tax increases on Machine Games Duty, which will now stand at 25%. On October 29, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey announced this significant rise ahead of the Autumn Budget, with the intention of using the revenue to provide enhanced business rate relief to retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.
The BGC asserts that this tax increase will have detrimental effects on workers and businesses in the gambling industry. The council noted that over 600 betting shops have already closed following the previous Budget changes, culminating in a loss of more than 11,000 jobs.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, expressed deep concern about the tax hike, stating, "This is a deeply damaging decision and a blow to the thousands of workers, businesses and communities who depend on Britain’s regulated betting and gaming industry. The Chancellor has ignored repeated warnings about the consequences. At 25%, EY projects almost 9,000 people could lose their jobs, and almost 1,000 betting shops and casinos could close or be at serious risk. These are real people and families facing the loss of their income and security, in places where alternative work can be hard to find."
The BGC has highlighted that casinos are already feeling the pressure from these new tax rates, potentially leading to revised investment plans. Although there are governmental efforts in place aimed at fostering the growth of the land-based business sector, the BGC warns that investment opportunities are under threat, particularly in regions such as Scotland and the North of England.
Data from the Council indicates that over 80% of all employment within the sector occurs outside of London. However, the BGC pointed out that the projected job cuts would disproportionately affect younger individuals and those supporting families, as job options for them are limited. The implementation of this machine tax law will begin in tandem with the Remote Gaming Duty law, which has been in effect since April 2026.
