YouGov study for Entain finds betting drives high street spending

90% of betting shop customers combine their visit to the premises with other local purchases, spending or activities on the high street, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Entain and published on 26 October 2026. The survey, carried out among 1,475 adults in the United Kingdom, also shows that 54% of customers do so on most or almost all visits.

Key finding from the survey

The research commissioned by Entain reports these headline figures:

• The 90% of betting shop users combine the visit with other local purchases, spending or activities on at least some occasions.

• The 54% said they do so on most or almost all visits.

• The 68% describe betting shops as established high street businesses.

• The 60% value that betting shops help sustain local employment.

• Among betting shop users, 76% see them as positive places to meet and socialise; cafés scored 77% on the same question.

Entain presented the results as part of its "What’s at Stake" campaign, intended to highlight the economic and social contribution of its estate. Entain operates one of the largest retail betting networks in the United Kingdom through its Ladbrokes and Coral brands.

Industry statements

Bejay Patel, managing director of Entain UK and Ireland, described the shops as "a pillar of every high street" and said:

"This research confirms what our colleagues know: betting shops are a pillar of every high street and they give a boost to local businesses." — Bejay Patel, Entain UK and Ireland

Patel added that the economic contribution of betting shops to local communities should be recognised.

Context: closures, restructurings and tax pressure

The results are published at a critical moment for the UK retail betting sector, which faces shop closures, job cuts and renewed debate over the taxation of premises. That picture includes:

• Announcements of shop closures by Betfred and Evoke, the latter owner of William Hill.

• A restructuring plan at Flutter that could affect 1,400 jobs in the UK and Ireland.

• An increase in the remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% from April 2026.

• A planned rise in the General Betting Duty for online bets to 25% from April 2027.

• An expectation of changes to the Machine Games Duty (MGD) for premises in the upcoming Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October; the question of MGD was highlighted by the industry during publication of the survey. The MGD discussion appears within the regulatory and fiscal framework affecting operators and their retail estate.

Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, warned about the impact of further tax rises. She said:

"Any further tax increase would heap more pressure on an industry already facing substantial tax rises, threatening jobs, high streets and vital funding for British racing." — Grainne Hurst, Betting and Gaming Council

Hurst urged the chancellor to consider the full economic consequences before approving further tax increases.

Positioning and campaign

Entain has used the survey to reinforce its argument that shops generate economic activity beyond betting itself. The "What’s at Stake" campaign aims to bring these figures into public debate and before policymakers during the budget negotiations.

The publication of the study and industry statements coincides with the political and fiscal calendar: the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October is the immediate focus for possible modification of the MGD and other measures affecting the sector. Entain and other operators cite the survey figures to argue against additional tax hikes that they say could further pressure jobs and the local retail fabric.

Methodology

The survey was conducted by YouGov among 1,475 adults resident in the United Kingdom and was commissioned by Entain. The percentages cited in this text come from results published by Entain on 26 October 2026.