Around 250 betting shops in seaside towns could close if the government raises gambling taxes at the Autumn Budget, according to the Betting and Gaming Council. The industry body says a tax increase could put hundreds of businesses and 1,761 jobs at risk across coastal communities.
Hundreds Of Seaside Businesses Could Be Affected
There are currently 609 betting shops and 20 casinos in seaside areas across Britain. According to figures from the Betting and Gaming Council, 244 betting shops and eight casinos could close if gambling taxes are increased.
The closures would put thousands of jobs and local businesses under pressure, particularly in coastal towns where employment choices can be more limited.
Betting Industry Warns Ahead Of October 28
The warning comes ahead of the government’s October 28 Autumn Budget. The Betting and Gaming Council has written to Chancellor John Healey, with the letter backed by senior figures from some of Britain’s largest gambling companies.
Executives from Entain, Flutter, Bet365, Betfred and the parent company of William Hill have warned about a possible increase in Machine Games Duty (MGD).
Gambling Firms Fear Higher Machine Games Duty
Machine Games Duty applies to certain gaming machines operated by gambling businesses. The industry argues that a higher rate could make some betting shops and other venues financially difficult to operate.
Betfred founder Fred Done has previously warned that he could close the company’s entire betting shop estate if taxes rise. The latest letter represents one of the broadest warnings from major gambling businesses ahead of the Budget.
Coastal Communities Could Feel The Pressure
Betting shops can have a particular presence in seaside towns, where the industry says they provide employment and attract regular customers. At JenningsBet in Christchurch, Dorset, trainee manager Jack Pugh said betting shops are also places where customers meet friends and socialise.
He said regular customers often visit for conversation, football discussions or a cup of tea rather than simply to place a bet. The Betting and Gaming Council argues that further tax increases could result in more empty premises in coastal high streets.
Industry Says Jobs Could Be Lost
BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst said betting shops, bingo clubs and casinos provide jobs and investment in seaside towns. She warned that employment choices can already be limited in some coastal communities.
The organisation’s figures suggest that a combination of betting shop and casino closures could result in 1,761 jobs being lost. These figures are industry estimates linked to a possible tax increase and do not represent confirmed closures.
Major Gambling Companies Back Warning
The letter to Healey was signed by executives representing several of the biggest companies in the sector. The group includes the owners of Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, as well as Bet365, Betfred and William Hill.
The companies told the Chancellor that betting and gaming are part of Britain’s sporting and cultural life. They pointed to activities ranging from betting on the Grand National to visiting bingo clubs and casinos.
Final Decision Will Depend On The Budget
No closures have been confirmed as a direct result of a tax change. The government has yet to announce its final decisions on gambling taxation. The October 28 Budget will determine whether Machine Games Duty or other gambling taxes change and what the financial consequences could be for betting businesses.
For seaside towns, the outcome could determine whether hundreds of betting shops and casinos continue trading or face closure in the years ahead.
