Proposed machine games tax hike could force closure of a third of UK gambling venues
The parent of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos warns that raising the machine games duty to 40% could shut about one-third of its sites and jeopardise roughly 2,000 jobs.
The firm that runs Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos cautioned that a government proposal to double the machine games duty from 20% to 40% would likely compel the closure of roughly a third of its UK estate, endangering about 2,000 jobs. The Social Market Foundation estimates the increase could generate £450 million in extra revenue, but the company argues the higher rate would render many venues, particularly those in the North of England, unviable.
Recent tax changes—including a rise in remote gaming duty to 40% and the abolition of the 10% bingo levy—have already squeezed profit margins. Over the past year the group shut nine bingo halls amid rising labour costs and tighter household budgets. Industry rivals such as Entain and Betfred have announced sizable job cuts and venue closures, highlighting broader sector vulnerability.
Why it matters
A steep tax rise could close many gambling halls, costing jobs and reducing local community services.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Rank Group’s warning that a tax hike could close a third of UK gambling venues, but the right-leaning coverage adds details about the size of the tax increase, potential job losses and projected revenue.
CENTER
Ranks warning that a sharp tax increase could force a third of its venues to close.
RIGHT
Caution that doubling the machine games duty would likely shut a third of venues, threaten thousands of jobs, and raise substantial revenue.
The right emphasises
- double the machine games duty from 20% to 40%
- closure of roughly a third of its UK estate, endangering about 2,000 jobs
- £450 million in extra revenue
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