BGC puts betting shop workers at centre of campaign against tax rise

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched a campaign designed to put the people who work in betting shops at the forefront of the debate over gambling tax. Back Our Betting Shops  will feature employees, apprentices, managers, customers and local partners, as the trade body argues that further tax increases could lead to more closures. Its launch follows warnings from major operators about the possible effect of raising Machine Games Duty (MGD) to 40%. That rate is a scenario under debate, not an announced government decision.

Campaign shifts attention to high-street staff

The BGC says the campaign will tell the stories behind shop closure figures, including those of people whose jobs depend on retail betting. It also describes shops as places where customers meet and staff develop long-standing local relationships.

“Behind every betting shop is a team of real people earning a living.” — Grainne Hurst, BGC chief executive

That description is central to the trade body's case against another tax rise, though the campaign represents the industry's position rather than an assessment of the wider costs and benefits of gambling.

The launch builds on the BGC's focus on Makerfield, the prime minister's constituency. In an Opinium poll cited by the BGC, 54% of residents surveyed said betting shops contributed to local community life. The figure was 51% among Labour voters and 59% among Reform voters. Those are views recorded in one constituency, not a national measure of support.

What the 40% tax scenario assumes

MGD is charged on the net takings from gaming machines. HMRC's current rates are 5%, 20% or 25%, depending on the machine. The BGC is opposing a scenario in which the standard rate rises from 20% to 40%.

The association cites EY modelling that puts up to 16,000 jobs, nearly 1,500 betting shops and 34 casinos at risk under that scenario. It says the Treasury could also receive £124 million less. These are forecasts commissioned by the industry group, not closures or job losses that have happened, and the outcome would depend on the final tax policy and operators' responses.

Retail operators add to pressure before the Budget

The campaign follows separate warnings from Entain and Betfred. Entain told the prime minister that a 40% standard MGD rate would add about £100 million to its annual UK retail costs. Betfred founder Fred Done has said the company could close hundreds more shops if the rate rises.

The BGC now wants the potential impact on staff and high streets considered alongside the expected tax receipts. The question for ministers is whether they will bring MGD into the next Budget and, if so, which rate and accompanying impact assessment they propose.