Entain chief warns gambling tax rises put UK jobs and shops at risk

The chief executive of Entain, one of the world’s largest betting and gaming companies and owner of well-known high street brands such as Ladbrokes and Coral, has issued a stark warning to the government ahead of next month’s budget. Stella David, who took up the post permanently in April, said prospective rises in gambling taxes could force the company to shut betting shops and redirect investment out of the United Kingdom.

David stated that if the Chancellor presses ahead with increases on industry levies, Entain would “have to consider its investment level in the UK.” Entain operates around 2300 betting shops nationwide and employs over 14000 people in the country. She admitted that shop closures are likely should the new tax levels threaten the viability of certain locations, with the consequences depending on the scale of any changes.

Industry figures are bracing for significant reforms, following calls from former prime minister Gordon Brown and several MPs to sharply raise gambling duties. Proposals include an increase in the remote gambling duty rate from 21 per cent to 50 per cent, a rise in duties on slot and gaming machines from 20 per cent to 50 per cent, and a lift in general betting duty on nonracing bets from 15 per cent to 25 per cent. According to the Institute for Public Policy Research, these measures could generate an additional £3.2 billion for the Treasury.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has suggested that gambling firms should contribute more in taxes but has yet to confirm the exact details. “They make an important contribution to the economy but they should pay their fair share of taxes and we’ll make sure that that happens,” she told reporters at the Labour Party conference.

David responded that Entain is already one of the UK’s top twenty taxpayers, contributing £513 million to the Treasury last year. She emphasised the £4 billion annual tax contribution of the broader betting and gaming sector, as well as financial support given directly to British sport, including £350 million to horse racing and millions more to football, snooker, darts and rugby league.

There are fears that increases in tax could drive customers from regulated companies towards black market operators, which do not offer player protections or pay UK taxes. David cited recent experience in the Netherlands, where gambling tax rises coincided with a notable drop in tax revenue after a fall in gross gaming yield across both online and inperson markets.

While the government weighs its options, charities such as GambleAware have welcomed the debate, highlighting the growing recognition of gambling harm as a public health concern. The months ahead will prove critical for both the industry and the communities that depend on it, as Westminster prepares pivotal decisions that could reshape the sector’s landscape in the UK.