UK land‑based gambling sector warns of job losses if Machine Games Duty rises

A Bacta survey of UK land‑based gambling operators, conducted before Andy Burnham was confirmed as prime minister, found that a significant increase in the Machine Games Duty (MGD) would have severe negative effects on the industry. Ninety percent of respondents said the impact would be "gravely negative", with the main challenges identified as maintaining profitability (67%), preserving staff levels (23%) and funding new machines or refurbishment (10%).

Eighty‑seven percent said investment would likely contract, and the most likely outcomes cited were the closure of adult gaming centres (43%), a drop in profitability (30%) and a reduction in employment (27%). Bacta president Joseph Cullis warned that higher taxes would hurt commercial streets, coastal towns, pubs, bingo halls and the wider supply chain, and could boost the illegal market.

The findings highlight potential economic repercussions for local economies that rely on gambling‑related revenue throughout the year.