Genting Casinos UK Warns Proposed Machine Duty Rise from 20 to 40 Percent Would Render 13 of 32 Sites Unprofitable

Genting Casinos UK has warned that 13 of its 32 British casinos would become unprofitable if the Treasury doubles gaming machine duty from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. The operator outlined the impact in an opinion piece, citing added annual costs of £16m and risks to employment across multiple sites.

Paul Willcock, CEO of Genting Casinos UK, detailed the projections. The change would place more than 850 venue jobs and around 50 support roles at risk. Modelling shows closures could follow at the affected locations.

Operational Risks and Staff Impact

Casinos employ croupiers, chefs, bar staff, cleaners, security officers, customer-service teams and managers. These positions require training, experience and opportunities to progress.

Willcock said: “Tax policy must also consider the distinction between regulated and unregulated gambling. It would be wrong to overstate or assume a direct displacement effect. But if highly regulated, visible operators and venues become less viable, the government should assess where demand may move and what that could mean for consumer protection.”

He added: “Before making any change, the Treasury should assess the impact on individual venues, employment, investment, city-centre regeneration, the visitor economy, consumer protection and total tax receipts.”

Net Revenue and Policy Outcomes

Further analysis indicates closures would eliminate a range of tax payments. Willcock said: “Our modelling indicates that the revenue lost through closures would outweigh the additional machine duty collected from the remaining venues. The Treasury could raise the rate and still receive less overall, while hundreds of skilled employees lose their jobs.”

He concluded: “A policy that turns investment into closures is not pro-growth. A tax rise that costs jobs, weakens regulated venues and ultimately raises less revenue is not reform. It is self-defeating. You cannot tax a casino that has closed.”

As reported by G3 Newswire, the intervention urges full evaluation of outcomes before any duty adjustment proceeds.

Reporting: G3 Newswire

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