BGC report: Britain’s casinos underpin high-street visits and jobs

The Betting and Gaming Council published new research on 14 October 2026 showing Britain’s land-based casinos play a measurable role in driving footfall, spending and employment in town and city centres. The findings, revealed at an event hosted by the Night Time Industries Association at London’s Hippodrome Casino on 14 October, show 41.1% of surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home and 72.1% used at least one other local business during their visit.

Research scope and headline figures

The landmark report, Beyond Gaming: The Evolution of Britain’s Land-Based Casinos as Nightlife Destinations, examines modern casinos across Britain and their wider local economic role. The BGC says Britain’s 108 licensed casinos support approximately 14,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract nearly 14 million visits annually. More than half of respondents (55%) said they probably or definitely would not otherwise have visited the local area.

Investment plans and policy risks

Casino operators identified approximately £200 million of planned capital investment over the next five years, intended for hospitality facilities, entertainment venues and customer experience improvements. The report says the sector aims to capitalise on the Government’s 2025 casino reforms, which opened new opportunities for investment and modernisation.

The BGC flags a policy risk: uncertainty over potential changes to Machine Games Duty in the Autumn Budget could undermine business confidence and hold back the planned investment.

Industry reaction at the Hippodrome event

The research was unveiled at London’s Hippodrome Casino at an event hosted by the Night Time Industries Association on Wednesday 14 October. Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, set out the role casinos play for high streets.

"Britain’s high streets need businesses that give people a reason to leave home and spend time in our towns and cities," said Michael Kill. "More than four in ten surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home, and almost three-quarters used another local business."

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, reiterated the sector’s case for stable policy conditions and investment.

"These findings show that Britain’s casinos have a vital role to play in supporting our high streets, creating jobs and bringing people into our towns and cities," said Grainne Hurst. "With around £200 million of investment planned across the sector, there is a real opportunity to deliver even greater benefits for local communities."

Report conclusions

Beyond Gaming highlights the emergence of modern casinos as combined gaming, hospitality and entertainment destinations that support restaurants, bars, hotels and other local businesses. The report calls for a stable policy environment so the 2025 regulatory changes can translate into new investment, employment and economic activity across Britain.

For further reading on venue-based leisure and events, see the events section and coverage of destination gaming in our casino desk.