The Betting and Gaming Council Launches Campaign Supporting British Betting Shops

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has officially announced the launch of the ‘Back Our Betting Shops’ campaign in the United Kingdom. This initiative places employees, customers, and communities that depend on British betting shops in the spotlight while warning about the human and economic consequences of future tax increases on the sector. According to models developed by EY, an increase in Machine Games Duty to 40% could put at risk up to 16,000 jobs, nearly 1,500 betting shops, and up to 34 casinos.

Context and Objectives of Back Our Betting Shops

The campaign emerges at a critical moment for the sector, following several waves of closures. Since 2019, more than 3,000 betting shops have closed in the country, resulting in the loss of over 16,000 jobs. In addition, 22 casinos have been shut down (leading to the loss of more than 3,000 jobs) and 108 bingo halls, which resulted in 2,000 fewer jobs. Despite these regulatory and fiscal pressures, betting shops continue to generate over 36,000 jobs in the UK and remain relevant players within the social and commercial fabric of multiple communities.

The ‘Back Our Betting Shops’ initiative aims to give voice and face to the numbers: it will prioritize testimonies from workers with years of experience, apprentices, managers, customers, community partners, and individuals who view these businesses as an essential part of British main streets.

The Risk to Jobs and the Economy from a Tax Increase

The EY report warns that if Machine Games Duty increases to 40%, up to 16,000 jobs could be lost. The potential closure of 1,500 betting locations and 34 casinos would not only affect the sector but also public finances, which would no longer receive £124 million annually. The model highlights the domino effect: behind every figure are people whose livelihoods and futures could be severely impacted.

The BGC’s own Chief Executive, Grainne Hurst, underscored this point:

“Behind every betting shop is a team of real people making a living, supporting their families, and participating in the life of their local community.”

Betting Shops as Community Hubs

Beyond the employment dimension, the BGC emphasizes that many betting shops maintain a key social function: they allow people to gather, work, and socialize in a family-friendly environment, often thanks to long-standing employees who know their customers. Additionally, these shops contribute to revitalizing commercial streets and facilitate customer flow to other local businesses.

Contribution to the British Economy and Sport

The regulated betting and gaming sector contributes significant figures to the national economy: it supports 109,000 jobs, generates £6.8 billion in gross added value, and pays over £4 billion in tax annually. Betting shops also play a fundamental role in supporting national sports, highlighting funding for horse racing through the Horserace Betting Levy, along with sponsorships and investments in sports like rugby, at both professional and amateur levels.

A Campaign Aimed at Changing Social Perception

‘Back Our Betting Shops’ will promote stories of betting shops from across the British territory, giving space to employees, customers, and communities that advocate for their importance. The goal is to counter a simplified image of these businesses and highlight the human impact behind each statistic. In Grainne Hurst's words:

“These shops are not just businesses. For many people, they are community hubs, family venues where relationships are formed and national sports are supported. Thousands have already closed; more taxes could mean more job losses and less vibrant streets.”

The campaign focuses on preventing future tax increases from resulting in more closures and unemployment, aiming to engage both public opinion and authorities (sector regulation).