BGC Warns of Deeper Job Losses from Proposed Rise in Machine Games Duty
The BGC warns a Machine Games Duty rise from 20% to 25% could worsen UK gambling job losses and closures. It cites recent cuts at Betfred, Entain, bet365 and up to 1,400 Flutter roles amid other tax hikes. Higher duties may not yield expected revenue if they trigger reduced investment.
SCCG Take — The Treasury must weigh full economic costs before any hike, as cumulative taxes threaten sector stability and British racing support without guaranteed returns.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that a proposed increase in Machine Games Duty from 20% to 25% could deepen job losses and business closures across the UK gambling sector. The alert comes as the Treasury considers the change in the upcoming Budget, on top of existing tax adjustments already hitting operators.
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst cited specific pressures at major firms. These include betting shop closures at Betfred, proposed job cuts at Entain and bet365, and Flutter’s announcement this week that up to 1,400 positions could be lost. The industry is already facing a near doubling of Remote Gaming Duty and a substantial increase in General Betting Duty. According to reporting by Yogonet International, an additional hike would add financial pressure on decisions around staffing, investment and continuity.
Strain on Employment, Investment and British Racing
Hurst questioned whether further tax increases would deliver the intended revenue gains. Potential business closures, employment losses and reduced investment must factor into any assessment of economic impact. Additional taxation could hit high street businesses, financial support for British racing and employment across the wider regulated gambling sector.
“The Treasury must resist poorly evidenced calls for further increases without considering the wider economic impact,” said Hurst. “Higher taxes do not automatically mean higher revenues, particularly when they lead to business closures, people losing their jobs and reduced investment.”
“With the Budget still to come, we urge the Chancellor to consider the full economic consequences of any further tax increases and protect the jobs, businesses and British sport that depend on the regulated industry,” Hurst added.
Where the Real Risk Lies
The BGC position frames a direct conflict between short-term revenue goals and longer-term sector stability. Without full weighing of downstream effects, the Treasury risks accelerating exactly the employment and investment declines now materializing. As fiscal choices near, the priority must remain protecting the regulated industry’s contribution to jobs and British sport rather than assuming automatic gains from higher duties.
Reporting: Yogonet International
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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