BGC Warns Against Potential UK Gambling Tax Increase

Senior officials from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have warned against a possible rise in UK gambling taxes, saying it could harm the regulated industry and boost illegal betting.

Speaking before Parliament’s Treasury Committee on Tuesday, BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst and Tax Policy Advisor Stephen Hodgson reiterated their concern that higher taxes would push players towards unregulated operators.

The warning comes less than a month before Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to present her Budget on 26 November. Hurst and Hodgson said the industry already contributes significantly to the economy and the Exchequer.

Several think tanks, including the Social Market Foundation and the Institute for Public Policy Research, have called for higher gambling taxes to increase government revenue.

The BGC argues that such measures could backfire, costing up to 40,000 jobs, diverting £8.4 billion in stakes to the black market, and reducing the sector’s contribution to the economy by £3.1 billion.

Industry leaders have echoed these concerns. Entain CEO Stella David said the company may have to review its UK investment plans, while Betfred founder Fred Done warned that higher taxes could put his betting shop network at risk.

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