High-street slot machines and casinos could face £460m tax rise under Burnham
Summary
If Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, he may push to raise taxes on slot machine shops and casinos by up to £460 million. This proposal targets physical gambling venues called adult gaming centres (AGCs), which have grown quickly, especially in poorer areas. The idea has public support but faces opposition from the gambling industry.Key Facts
- Andy Burnham, a potential future prime minister, wants to increase taxes on physical slot machine venues (AGCs).
- AGCs are known as “slot sheds” and have expanded mainly in economically poor locations.
- Online casinos were taxed more in a recent budget, but physical slot machines were not.
- A thinktank called the Social Market Foundation found 43% of people support higher taxes on AGCs.
- Doubling the tax rate on certain £2 slot machines could raise an extra £275 million to £458 million annually.
- This tax increase would also affect casinos and big companies like Admiral and Merkur.
- Gambling industry groups warn that higher taxes could cause job losses and push players to illegal gambling.
- Burnham also wants local authorities to have more power to stop new gambling venues from opening.
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