BGC report: casinos drive recovery of Britain’s high streets

The Betting and Gaming Council published the report "Beyond Gaming: The Evolution of Britain’s Land-Based Casinos as Nightlife Destinations" and presented its findings on 14 October at a Night Time Industries Association event at the Hippodrome Casino in London. The research shows that 41.1% of surveyed customers said they would have stayed at home, 55% said they probably or definitely would not have visited the local area and 72.1% used at least one other local business during their visit.

Key findings from the research

The report documents the role of the 108 licensed casinos in Britain as footfall drivers for urban centres. According to the BGC, these venues generate nearly 14 million annual visits and support roughly 14,000 direct and indirect jobs. The study highlights that casinos act as magnets that benefit restaurants, bars, hotels and other local businesses and services.

Planned investment and regulatory reform

The sector identified around £200 million of planned capital investment over the next five years, targeted at upgrades to hospitality facilities, entertainment venues and customer experience. The report places this investment in the context of the UK Government’s 2025 casino reforms, which the BGC says have opened opportunities for modernisation and diversification.

The paper also warns of uncertainty from possible changes to the Machine Games Duty in the Autumn Budget, which the sector believes could undermine business confidence and slow planned investment.

Industry statements

"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, CEO of Night Time Industries Association, after the presentation.

"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, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council.

Both executives noted that modern casinos combine gambling with restaurants, bars and live entertainment, and called for a stable fiscal policy environment to turn regulatory reforms into real investment and local economic activity.

Events and context

The presentation took place at the Hippodrome Casino in London on 14 October during an event organised by Night Time Industries Association. The report is titled "Beyond Gaming: The Evolution of Britain’s Land-Based Casinos as Nightlife Destinations" and was published by the Betting and Gaming Council the same month.