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uk bookmakers and venues fight machine games duty tax rise

Bacta and independent operators urge the chancellor to freeze machine games duty at twenty percent.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 27 October 2026

Trade body Bacta delivered a late letter signed by one hundred and twenty independent businesses to Chancellor John Healey. The group wants the government to keep Machine Games Duty at twenty percent in the upcoming budget. Rumors suggest the rate could jump to twenty five percent or even forty percent. Operators warn that any tax hike will threaten thousands of jobs in high streets and seaside towns across the country.

Tax traps and rising costs

Venues face a strict legislative trap because the law caps their stake and prize levels. Operators cannot raise these limits to cover growing expenses like energy bills, commercial rents, and wages. Businesses also face millions in nonrecoverable value added tax payments next year. Raising the duty rate will reduce capital and force many community venues to shut down permanently.

Wider economic damage

Industry leaders argue that closing local arcades and bingo halls will harm the entire supply chain. Security firms, food suppliers, and taxi companies will all lose revenue when venues close. Bacta president Joseph Cullis stated that family run businesses face severe risks if the treasury moves forward with the tax increase. The leisure sector continues waiting for the official budget announcement to see if their warning stopped the duty hike.

Community venues provide vital employment in areas with few other work opportunities. Independent operators hope the treasury listens to real world consequences before finalizing tax policies. The outcome will decide the future of traditional entertainment venues on British high streets.