Done family draws £30m dividend as they warn of shop closures over slot tax hike

Betfred’s holding company disclosed a record £996 million turnover and a £64 million pre-tax profit for the year ending March 2026, enabling the Done family’s trusts to receive a £30 million interim dividend, bringing total payouts since 2022 to over £105 million. The family warned Chancellor John Healey that plans to double the machine-games duty from 20 % to 40 % could lead to the shutdown of up to 1,470 betting shops, 34 casinos and the loss of roughly 15,900 jobs, undermining the Treasury’s revenue goals.

Fred Done, who founded the first shop in 1967, highlighted that the family already contributed £400 million in taxes, including £54 million from one outlet duty. He argued that the proposed increase would render many high-street bookmakers unprofitable, prompting closures and a net fall in tax receipts. The letter, signed by industry leaders, was submitted as Betfred filed its accounts with Companies House. Meanwhile, rival operator Merkur has placed bids for some of the 132 shops Betfred put up for sale earlier this year.