YouGov poll: 90% of UK betting shop users link visits to other high street spending or activities

A YouGov poll has found that 90% of betting shop customers in the UK combine their visit with spending or other local activities on at least some occasions. The survey gathered the views of 1,475 UK adults, and 54% of users said they do so on most or nearly every visit.

The results were published on the website of operator Entain, which has a large retail estate through its Ladbrokes and Coral brands. Entain Group's managing director for the UK and Ireland, Bejay Patel, said the research confirmed that betting shops are a cornerstone of every high street and provide a boost to local business. He added that their contribution to the economy and local communities should be recognised.

The poll also looked at social perceptions. A total of 68% of respondents described betting shops as established high-street fixtures, and 60% said they sustain local employment. Among betting shop users, 76% rated them positively as places to meet and interact, close to the 77% recorded for cafés. Entain has been promoting the positive impacts of betting shops through its What's at Stake campaign.

The findings arrive at a difficult time for UK retail betting. Betfred and Evoke have both closed a significant number of shops this year, and Flutter said this week that 1,400 jobs across its UK and Ireland business are at risk as part of a restructure. The sector has also been affected by the increase in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%, which took effect in April.

Further tax changes may follow. Ahead of the autumn budget, a group of Labour MPs wrote to Chancellor John Healey urging an increase in Machine Games Duty. A rise from 20% to 40% has been speculated, although The Times reported this week that it could be capped at 25%. The budget is due on Wednesday.

Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst said any increase, even of 5%, would be damaging. She argued that further tax rises would put more pressure on an industry already facing substantial increases, threatening jobs, high streets and funding for British racing, and urged the chancellor to weigh the full economic consequences.