BGC warns up to 3,800 casino jobs at risk if Machine Games Duty is raised to 40%

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned the UK government that thousands of casino workers could lose their jobs, and venues across Britain could close permanently, if Machine Games Duty (MGD) rises to 40%. The trade body said up to 3,800 jobs would be at risk.

The statement follows reports that Chancellor John Healey is considering doubling the three MGD rates in his first Autumn Budget, which is due in a little over two weeks. The BGC described the potential move as a fresh tax raid on the sector.

Notably, the BGC has framed its argument differently from its earlier warnings on tax rises. Those largely centred on the risk of pushing players to the black market, but this statement makes no mention of unlicensed operators. Instead, Chief Executive Officer Grainne Hurst highlighted job losses, venue closures and cancelled investment plans. She said thousands of hardworking people could lose their livelihoods and that venues serving communities for decades could shut for good, calling the situation an existential threat to the industry.

The BGC said the jobs on offer include first steps on the career ladder for young people, as well as flexible work for women and part-time workers. It added that half of all threatened closures would fall in Northern England and Scotland, with a further 20% in the Midlands, so those regions would bear the heaviest impact.

Other industry figures have also lobbied against an increase. Richard Harris, CEO of the Rank Group, which owns the Mecca and Grosvenor brands, recently said a rise would force about a third of the company's estate to close. Betfred Founder and Chairman Fred Done said it would bring about the end of retail betting by 2030.

The BGC pointed out that British casinos welcome 14 million customers a year, pay £515m in taxes and generate £815m for the economy. Hurst argued that closed casinos would not simply be replaced by new businesses, noting that many former casino sites already stand empty. Her statement concluded: "You cannot tax a casino that has closed."