The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a stark warning regarding the future of retail bookmakers in the United Kingdom. The industry body argues that the current structure of business rates is forcing viable businesses to close their doors permanently.
New data released by the BGC illustrates a dramatic contraction in the sector. Since 2019, the number of betting shops has plummeted from over 8,300 to fewer than 5,900 in early 2025. This reduction represents the loss of roughly one third of the retail estate and approximately 10,000 jobs.
Operational Costs Driving Closures
The BGC warning asserts that the decline is not solely due to digital migration but is accelerated by an outdated tax system. Business rates are calculated based on rental values that can vary significantly between locations. This means two shops earning similar revenue may face vastly different tax obligations based purely on their postcode. The council argues that this disparity is speeding up the decay of the British high street.
Impending Tax Hikes Create Further Pressure
The timing of this warning is critical as the gambling sector braces for substantial tax increases in the coming years. Remote Gaming Duty will increase from 21% to 40% in April 2026, followed by a hike in General Betting Duty from 15% to 25%. While these taxes target online revenue, major operators often use digital profits to support their retail networks. If online margins tighten, the financial case for keeping physical shops open weakens considerably.
Local Authorities Seek Restrictions
Simultaneously, the industry faces political headwinds. Around 40 local councils are lobbying for increased powers to block new betting shops, citing oversaturation in specific neighborhoods. The Betting and Gaming Council counters that the focus should be on economic contribution and employment rather than restriction. The debate has now evolved into a broader conflict over how the government supports struggling high street businesses against a backdrop of rising fiscal demands.
