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Rules and licensingBetting shops pay the price as government helps high streets
The latest budget funds high street business rate cuts by increasing taxes on gaming machines.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 31 October 2026
The government wants to help local high streets recover from recent struggles. Ministers decided that betting premises and vape shops will not receive business rate relief. Instead, higher taxes on gambling machines will pay for the support given to other shops.
Taxation shifts to gambling
Chancellor John Healey confirmed the tax increases during the budget announcement. Anti gambling campaigners praised the decision to target the betting sector. They argued that taxing the industry helps support local traders who bring footfall to town centres.
Banks receive polite praise
Politicians adopted a very different tone when speaking about the banking sector. The Chancellor thanked banks for their economic contribution while announcing a separate levy. That banking money goes toward energy bill support rather than high street relief.
Industry left feeling targeted
Bookmakers and betting operators continue to face mounting financial pressure from policy changes. Previous tax increases were also justified using harm reduction arguments. Operators argue that these funds rarely go toward actual treatment programs.
Punters may see worse odds and fewer promotions as operators absorb higher machine taxes.