Entain Customer Care Cuts of up to 400 Reflect UK Tax Rate Increases

Entain is preparing to cut up to 400 customer care positions amid rising tax pressures in the UK. The operator, which runs Ladbrokes and Coral, described the reductions as necessary to remain competitive in challenging conditions.

Entain operates 2,300 shops and employs over 13,000 people in the UK. The planned cuts would shrink its customer care team by roughly one-fifth. The company has not specified how many of those affected are based in the UK.

Sector-Wide Pattern of Reductions

The decision follows similar moves elsewhere in the market. bet365 is ending roughly 340 jobs. Paddy Power has initiated a review that could close up to 100 shops and affect as many as 400 positions overall.

These steps trace to tax changes implemented last year. Remote gaming tax rose from 21% to 40%. Online sports betting tax increased from 15% to 25%. The government is now considering a rise in machine games duty to 40%, a step industry stakeholders have rejected.

Representatives have warned that further increases would make licensed operators less competitive and expand the black market’s reach. They have called for moderation in tax policy without seeking insulation from taxation. As reported by GamblingNews, Entain separately lost a High Court ruling in its trademark and copyright action against Outplayed and OddsMonkey.

Channelisation Risks from Tax Increases

Sustained fiscal pressure is prompting operators to target cost reductions in non-revenue roles. This pattern tightens the margin squeeze on licensed businesses and tests the balance between revenue collection and market order. The next government decision on machine games duty will indicate whether additional measures accelerate unlicensed activity.

Reporting: GamblingNews

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