Betting industry body launches campaign highlighting job and shop risks

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched a nationwide campaign titled "Back Our Betting Shops." The initiative aims to spotlight the employees, local businesses, and communities that rely on Britain's betting shops, while warning of the severe human and economic consequences of potential tax hikes.

According to EY modeling cited by the BGC, raising the Machine Games Duty to 40 percent could put nearly 1,500 betting shops and up to 16,000 jobs at risk. This warning comes amidst significant closures in the sector; since 2019, over 3,000 betting shops, 22 casinos, and 108 bingo halls have shut down across Britain.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, stated that "Behind every betting shop is a team of real people earning a living, supporting their families and playing a part in their local community." She emphasized that these shops often serve as community hubs. Hurst cautioned that further tax increases could lead to job losses and empty storefronts, impacting communities.

The broader regulated betting and gaming sector supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion in gross value added, and generates over £4 billion in annual tax revenue. Betting shops also provide financial backing for British sports, including horseracing and grassroots rugby league clubs.