Leading gambling companies and industry groups have issued warnings about potential job losses and venue closures if the UK government raises gambling taxes in the upcoming Budget scheduled for October 28. The proposed increases, particularly in machine games duty, have raised concerns about the sustainability of betting shops, casinos, and bingo halls, especially in coastal towns reliant on the sector for employment.

The Betting and Gaming Council has highlighted the vulnerability of seaside communities, where nearly 250 betting shops and several casinos could face closure, potentially resulting in the loss of around 1,760 jobs. Industry representatives argue that betting shops serve as more than just venues for wagering, often acting as social hubs for regular customers. Jack Pugh, a trainee manager at JenningsBet in Christchurch, Dorset, emphasized the close community relationships fostered at these locations, warning that tax hikes could harm already struggling high streets.

Two major gambling firms, Entain — owner of Ladbrokes — and Rank have expressed similar concerns. Entain’s chief executive, Stella David, described the current UK tax environment for gambling as “increasingly challenging” and urged the government to reconsider any further tax increases that could jeopardize the viability of shops and jobs. Entain has already announced plans to cut about 400 roles within its customer care team this year, citing recent tax rises as a significant factor. These job reductions add to previous cuts announced earlier in 2026.

Rank’s chief executive, Richard Harris, stated that any rise in machine games duty would add to operational costs, threaten venue viability, and lead to closures and job losses. He suggested that higher taxes could paradoxically reduce government tax revenues by forcing businesses to downsize or shutter. Despite these concerns, both companies reported recent growth in net gaming revenues, with Rank’s revenues rising 5 percent to £216.1 million in the three months to September, and Entain’s third-quarter net revenues increasing by 2 percent. However, Entain’s performance was tempered by challenges in Brazil, where online gambling was recently banned, prompting a downward revision of its profit expectations for the year.

Speculation about the Budget has centered on increasing the machine games duty to 40 percent for category B machines, which include slot machines, electronic roulette, and fruit machines across venues such as casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, and social members’ clubs. A Social Market Foundation analysis estimates this could generate up to £458 million in additional revenue. The duty on online gaming was nearly doubled in last year’s budget, expected to raise around £1.1 billion annually by 2029-30, but has already led some operators to cut costs through venue closures and job cuts.

The debate over gambling taxation highlights tensions between government revenue targets and industry viability, with operators warning that higher taxes may undermine both employment and future investment in the sector. As the October 28 Budget approaches, stakeholders are awaiting clarity on any proposed changes and their potential impacts on the gambling landscape across the UK.