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The Human Impact of Betting Shop Closures: BGC’s “Back Our Betting Shops” Campaign Explained

By jili tutorial · September 30, 2026

The Human Impact of Betting Shop Closures: BGC’s “Back Our Betting Shops” Campaign Explained

Overview: A Campaign to Protect Jobs and Communities

On Monday, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) launched a campaign titled “Back Our Betting Shops” to draw attention to the potential fallout from further tax increases and shop closures on employees, local communities, and high streets across Britain. The initiative aims to put a human face on the industry by profiling workers—from long-serving staff and apprentices to managers and customers—as well as community partners. At its core, the campaign argues that betting shops serve as local community hubs, not just commercial enterprises. The BGC warns of “very real human consequences” from additional tax hikes, including risks to workers, their families, nearby businesses, and the wider community.

Key Takeaway

The campaign is not just about economics—it’s about people. The BGC wants policymakers to consider the ripple effects of tax changes on real lives, from job losses to diminished community spaces.

The “Makerfield Test”: Why This Constituency Matters

The BGC frames its message around Makerfield, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister has stated that policies should face a “Makerfield test”—if they don’t work for people in this area or improve their lives, they shouldn’t be implemented at all. The BGC seizes on this principle, arguing that further tax increases on betting shops would fail this test.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, explained:

“Makerfield tells a very human story about what betting shops mean to communities across Britain. The prime minister has said policies should face a ‘Makerfield test’—if they don’t work for people here and don’t lift them up, they shouldn’t happen at all. Behind every betting shop is a team of real people earning a living, supporting their families and playing a part in their local community.”

Hurst described betting shops as “community hubs” and called for public support to protect them.

Local Support in Numbers

The BGC cited polling from Opinium, which found that 54% of Makerfield residents said betting shops contributed to local community life. Notably, this support crossed political lines:

This suggests that the issue resonates beyond party affiliation, reflecting a shared concern for local livelihoods.

The Proposed Tax Change: Machine Games Duty (MGD) Rise

Central to the campaign is opposition to a proposed increase in Machine Games Duty (MGD) from the current rate to 40%. The BGC warns this would have severe consequences, citing modelling by the professional services firm EY.

Projected Impacts of a 40% MGD Rate

According to the EY analysis, the tax hike could:

Paradoxically, the increased tax rate could leave the Treasury around £124 million worse off—because reduced business activity would offset any revenue gains.

Industry Leaders Speak Out

Stella David, CEO of Entain, cautioned that doubling the MGD rate could trigger widespread closures and significant job losses, while potentially reducing overall tax revenues for the government.

Fred Done, founder of Betfred, was even more specific: he stated that a 40% MGD rise would force Betfred to close 495 shops within a year, resulting in:

Betfred has already closed 132 outlets this year, following last year’s increase in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). This pattern suggests that further duty hikes could accelerate the trend.

Example: What a Closed Shop Means Locally

Imagine a betting shop in a small town that has operated for 20 years. It employs five local people—a manager, two cashiers, and two security staff. If it closes, those workers lose income, nearby cafes and newsagents lose foot traffic, and the high street gains another empty storefront. The community loses a place where people gather, chat, and engage in a legal pastime.

Additional Regulatory Changes: The “Aim to Permit” Rule Repealed

Last month, the government announced it would repeal the long-standing “aim to permit” rule for betting shops and 24-hour slot machine arcades across Great Britain. This rule had previously created a presumption in favour of granting planning permission for such venues. Removing it means local authorities now have more discretion to reject new applications or refuse renewals.

Why This Matters

The repeal adds another layer of uncertainty for operators, who already face potential tax increases. Combined with shop closures from MGD rises, the industry could see a double hit—fewer new venues opening and existing ones shutting down.

Structure of the Campaign: Who Is Profiled?

The BGC’s “Back Our Betting Shops” campaign features real individuals from the sector, including:

This personal approach aims to humanize an often-stigmatized industry, showing that betting shops are more than just gambling venues—they are part of the social fabric.

The Bigger Picture: Economic and Social Context

Why Betting Shops Matter on High Streets

The Risk to the Treasury

The EY modelling suggests that a higher tax rate could be self-defeating: if shops close, tax revenue actually falls. This mirrors arguments made during previous duty hikes, such as the 2023 RGD increase.

Comparison with Other Sectors

Similar debates have occurred in hospitality and retail. For example, when alcohol duty rises too fast, some pubs close, reducing total tax income. The same principle applies here: higher tax doesn’t always mean higher revenue.

Conclusion: What’s at Stake

The “Back Our Betting Shops” campaign underscores the human cost of policy decisions that may seem purely fiscal. Workers, families, and communities—especially in constituencies like Makerfield—face tangible risks if MGD rises to 40% and the “aim to permit” rule is scrapped.

The BGC’s message is clear: policies should be tested against their real-world impact, not just Treasury projections. As the Prime Minister himself said, if a policy doesn’t work for people in Makerfield, it shouldn’t happen at all.

What to Watch For

This article was written for informational purposes and does not constitute political endorsement. All facts and figures are sourced from the original BGC campaign materials and cited reports.