Entain chief warns Labour against gambling tax rise that could trigger UK shop closures

"In her first interview since taking the role permanently in April, Stella David said any increase in gambling duties would compel Entain "to consider its investment level in the UK". She added there was "no doubt" that higher taxes would trigger "shop closures" across its 2,300 high street outlets. "At the end of the day we want to make a profitable global business," David said. "If the UK becomes uncompetitive, there are other markets we can pivot to. Every point of tax increase has a consequence - certain shops become unviable, and the scale depends on how far it goes.""

"The warning comes amid growing expectations that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will raise gambling taxes in her November Budget, following calls from former prime minister Gordon Brown to use the proceeds to help fund the removal of the two-child benefit cap. Proposals under consideration include raising the remote gambling duty on online betting from 21% to 50%, increasing slot and gaming machine duties from 20% to 50%, and lifting general betting duty on non-racing bets from 15% to 25%. A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research estimated these measures could raise around £3.2 billion annually for the Treasury."

"At the Labour Party Conference last week, Reeves said there was "a case for gambling firms paying more," adding: "They make an important contribution to the economy but should pay their fair share of taxes - and we'll make sure that happens." Entain says it already ranks among UK's top taxpayers David insisted that Entain already makes a "fair contribution," highlighting that the company is among the UK's top 20 taxpayers, contributing £513 million to the Excheq"

Entain's chief executive warned that planned increases in gambling duties could force the company to reconsider UK investment and lead to closures across its 2,300 high-street betting shops. Proposed measures under review include raising remote online betting duty from 21% to 50%, increasing slot and machine duties to 50%, and lifting general betting duty on non-racing bets to 25%. A think‑tank estimated those changes could raise about £3.2 billion annually for the Treasury. The chancellor indicated gambling firms should pay more, while Entain says it already contributes substantially, reporting £513 million paid and ranking among the UK's top 20 taxpayers.

Read at Business Matters