Betting shops are boosting spending on high streets

A new YouGov survey shows that betting shops contribute to the local economy beyond gambling. In the poll of 1,475 adults, 90 per cent of betting shop users combine their visits with other shopping, spending or local activities. Fifty-four per cent say they do this on most or almost every visit.

The survey was published by Entain, which runs one of the largest physical betting estates in the UK under the Ladbrokes and Coral brands. Bejay Patel, Entain's UK and Ireland managing director, argued that shops support local businesses as well as betting. Sixty per cent of respondents believe betting shops support local employment.

Another finding of the survey is that shops are seen as places to socialise. Seventy-six per cent of shop users view these venues positively, close to the 77 per cent who view cafes that way. Sixty-eight per cent see betting shops as established features of high streets.

However, the sector is going through a difficult period. Evoke, which owns Betfred and William Hill, has announced widespread shop closures, and Flutter has said that up to 1,400 jobs could be affected as part of a restructuring. Remote gaming duty will rise from 21 per cent to 40 per cent in April 2026, and the general betting duty on online bets will increase to 25 per cent in April 2027.

The Autumn Budget, due to be announced this week, is expected to bring changes to Machine Games Duty for physical venues. Grainne Hurst, director general of the Betting and Gaming Council, warned that any increase would add further strain to an industry already struggling with high tax costs.