UK operator CEOs call on chancellor to halt MGD and GBD tax hikes
By The Weekly Edge desk ·
Summary
Chief executives from Entain, Flutter UK and Ireland, bet365, Bally's Corporation, Evoke and Betfred, writing via the Betting & Gaming Council, have urged the chancellor not to double Machine Games Duty on category B machines from 20% to 40% in the upcoming budget. They cite EY analysis putting the net cost to the Exchequer at up to £124m, and estimate that 690 to 1,470 betting shops and 28 to 34 casinos could close, endangering 11,600 to 15,900 jobs. The letter also requests a further delay to the General Betting Duty increase from 15% to 25% that is due in April 2027.
Why it matters
Leading operator CEOs warn doubling Machine Games Duty to 40% could close betting shops and casinos and cost jobs, ahead of the budget.