British casinos are preparing to invest more than 200 million pounds across venues following government modernisation reforms, but that capital drive faces risks from proposed increases to Machine Games Duty, according to the Betting and Gaming Council. Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, issued the warning on October 4, 2026.
Investment plans and tax policy risks
British casino operators are planning capital expenditures exceeding 200 million pounds following the introduction of the government’s landmark modernisation reforms. However, new analysis from the Betting and Gaming Council indicates that doubling Machine Games Duty from 20 percent to 40 percent would immediately eliminate more than 50 million pounds of that planned investment, resulting in cancelled or scaled-back projects nationwide.
The warning follows the announcement by Genting Casinos regarding the closure of its Coventry branch, which resulted from a loss of commercial viability. Genting cautioned that further tax increases would trigger additional venue closures, job losses, and reduced investments across British towns and cities. Industry representatives argue that higher levies undermine the economic growth and regeneration goals that government ministers sought to achieve through regulatory modernisation.
Economic contribution and regional developments
Casinos function as significant leisure destinations across Britain, combining gaming facilities with restaurants, bars, live entertainment, and sports viewing while driving customer footfall to neighbouring high street businesses. The wider sector directly employs more than 10,000 individuals, supports an additional 3,700 jobs, welcomed approximately 14 million customer visits in 2025, and contributed 515 million pounds in total taxes.
Current expansion proposals include specific regional allocations, such as 8 million pounds earmarked for Bristol, 5 million pounds for Cardiff, and 5 million pounds for Bournemouth. Additionally, Genting has formulated plans for a major redevelopment of London’s Trocadero destination to generate hundreds of jobs.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, stated:
“The Government’s casino modernisation reforms were designed to unlock investment, support jobs and help regenerate communities across Britain. Our members responded by bringing forward more than 200 million pounds of planned investment in venues across the country.”
Hurst added that further tax hikes would directly conflict with executive ambitions to stimulate private investment and economic expansion across the United Kingdom.
