On Monday, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) launched the "Back Our Betting Shops" campaign to underscore the adverse effects that potential tax increases and betting shop closures could have on workers, local communities, and high streets throughout Britain.
This initiative profiles the diverse individuals involved in the industry, including long-standing employees, apprentices, managers, and customers, as well as local community partners. The BGC aims to convey how betting shops serve as integral community hubs, rather than simply businesses.
A primary focus of the campaign is a warning about the “very real human consequences” that may arise from increased taxes, affecting employees, their families, local enterprises, and broader communities.
Makerfield, the constituency of the Prime Minister, is highlighted as a key example of how betting shops positively impact local communities. Grainne Hurst, the BGC's Chief Executive, remarked that "Makerfield tells a very human story about what betting shops mean to communities across Britain."
She noted that the Prime Minister has suggested that policies should pass a "Makerfield test"—if they fail to support the people there, they should not proceed at all.
"Behind every betting shop is a team of real people earning a living, supporting their families and playing a part in their local community," Hurst stated. She emphasized the role of betting shops as community hubs and called for public support.
Additionally, data from an Opinium poll indicates that 54% of Makerfield residents believe betting shops have added value to community life. The responses included a diverse range of political affiliations, with 51% of Labour voters and 59% of Reform voters in agreement.
At the heart of the BGC's campaign is the opposition to a proposed increase in Machine Games Duty (MGD) to 40%. According to modeling from professional services firm EY, this tax hike could threaten approximately 16,000 jobs, nearly 1,500 betting shops, and up to 34 casinos, while resulting in a net loss of about £124 million for the treasury.
Hurst expressed concern, stating, "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, warned that doubling the current MGD rate to 40% might lead to widespread betting shop closures and significant job losses, along with a potential decrease in government tax revenues.
Fred Done, the CEO of Betfred, stated that such a tax increase could force Betfred to close 495 of its shops within a year, leading to a loss of 2,575 jobs and approximately £67 million in lost tax revenue for the Exchequer.
To date, Betfred has already closed 132 outlets this year following last year’s increase in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). Furthermore, last month, the government announced it would revoke the established "aim to permit" rule for betting shops and 24-hour slot machine arcades across Great Britain. This change eliminates the presumption favoring the approval of these venues.
