On Monday, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) launched a campaign named "Back Our Betting Shops," which aims to bring attention to the implications of potential tax hikes and closures of betting shops on workers, communities, and local economies throughout Britain.
The BGC's initiative showcases various individuals in the industry, including long-time employees, apprentices, managers, and customers, in addition to community partners. The campaign seeks to underscore that betting shops serve as community hubs, offering more than just commercial services.
A prominent message from the campaign is the warning about the “very real human consequences” that could arise from increased taxation, affecting employees, their families, local businesses, and the broader community.
In the prime minister's constituency of Makerfield, a significant part of the campaign's narrative is crafted. Grainne Hurst, the chief executive of the BGC, stated, “Makerfield tells a very human story about what betting shops mean to communities across Britain.”
The prime minister has suggested that policies undergo a "Makerfield test"—that they should benefit people in this community and lift their circumstances; otherwise, they should not proceed.
Hurst further emphasized that behind every betting shop is a team of real individuals who earn a living, support their families, and contribute to their communities, describing these establishments as "community hubs" and calling for public support.
According to polling data from Opinium, 54% of Makerfield residents believe that betting shops have enhanced local community life. This sentiment spans cross-political lines, with 51% of Labour voters and 59% of Reform voters agreeing.
A critical focus of the BGC's campaign is the opposition to a proposed increase in Machine Games Duty (MGD) to 40%. The BGC referenced modelling from EY that indicates such a tax increase could jeopardize approximately 16,000 jobs, close nearly 1,500 betting shops, and potentially shut down up to 34 casinos, all while leaving the treasury about £124 million poorer.
Hurst warned, “Further tax rises risk inflicting exactly the kind of damage communities like Makerfield are worried about and raise serious questions about whether such a policy would pass the prime minister’s own Makerfield test.”
Stella David, CEO of Entain, also raised concerns about doubling the MGD to 40%, claiming it could lead to widespread shop closures and significant job losses, while potentially decreasing government tax revenues.
Fred Done of Betfred asserted that if the tax were to rise, Betfred would be forced to close 495 shops within a year, resulting in the loss of 2,575 jobs and approximately £67 million in lost tax revenue for the Exchequer. This year alone, Betfred has already closed 132 outlets following an increase in this duty last year.
Furthermore, last month, the government announced its intention to repeal the "aim to permit" rule for betting shops and 24-hour slot machine arcades across Great Britain. This rule previously provided a presumption in favor of granting permits for such venues.
