Betfred Founder Warns Tax Hikes Pose “Biggest Threat” to UK Betting Industry

Table of Contents

• 1. Betfred Founder Warns Tax Hikes Pose “Biggest Threat” to UK Betting Industry
• 2. Industry Veteran Sounds Alarm
• 3. Potential Tax Revenue and Industry Response
• 4. shifting Landscape and Online Growth
• 5. Understanding Gambling Tax in the UK
• 6. Frequently asked Questions about UK gambling Taxes
• 7. How might increased corporate taxes specifically impact research and development (R&D) investment within teh pharmaceutical industry?
• 8. Tax Increases Pose Significant Risk to Industry Stability
• 9. The Ripple Effect of Higher Corporate Taxes
• 10. Impact on Investment and Growth
• 11. Supply Chain Disruptions and Inflationary Pressures
• 12. Industry-Specific Vulnerabilities
• 13. The Risk of Capital flight and Tax inversion
• 14. Past Case Studies: Lessons Learned
• 15. Mitigating the Risks: Policy Recommendations
• 16. Benefits of a Stable and Predictable Tax Habitat

Sunday 19 October 2025 12:15 pm
Updated: Sunday 19 October 2025 12:16 pm

London, UK – A potential increase in taxation could force the closure of Betfred betting shops across the United Kingdom, according to the company’s founder and chairman, Fred done. The warning comes as Chancellor rachel Reeves considers a tax raid on the gambling industry within the upcoming November budget.

Industry Veteran Sounds Alarm

fred Done, who established Betfred in 1967 alongside his brother, has publicly stated that increased taxes represent the most important challenge the sector has encountered during his 57-year tenure. His comments mirror concerns voiced by other prominent figures within the gambling industry.The proposed tax hikes have ignited debate surrounding the financial sustainability of betting firms and their potential impact on employment.

Reeves has previously indicated that gambling companies should contribute a greater share of taxes, stating her commitment to ensuring fair contributions. This position follows mounting pressure from former Chancellor Gordon Brown, advocating for increased taxation within the sector.

Potential Tax Revenue and Industry Response

A report by the institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggests that a tax rate of up to 50 percent could generate approximately £3 billion in revenue for the Treasury. However, industry leaders have vehemently opposed the idea, branding it “economically reckless” and detrimental to business operations. William Hill owner, Evoke, recently announced the potential closure of up to 200 retail locations in response to the possibility of higher taxes, signaling a broader trend of downsizing within the sector.

Done echoed this sentiment, stating that even a tax increase to 40 or 35 percent would render the business unprofitable. He indicated that such an increase would inevitably lead to shop closures and potentially impact around 7,500 jobs. Currently, around 300 Betfred shops are operating at a loss, a figure projected to rise substantially with further tax increases.

shifting Landscape and Online Growth

Done acknowledged the gradual shift towards online betting, a trend that is compounding the challenges facing high street bookmakers. Rival firm, Paddy Power, recently announced the closure of 57 stores across the UK and Ireland, citing rising costs and challenging market conditions. According to a 2024 report by the Gambling Commission, online gambling revenue accounted for over 40% of the total market share, a significant increase from previous years.

He added that increased costs, including rising employer National Insurance contributions and minimum wage levels, have already added approximately £20 million to the company’s expenses. Despite a revenue of nearly £1 billion, Betfred’s recent annual operating profit stood at just £500,000.

Done fears that escalating costs will drive customers towards unregulated offshore betting sites, which avoid contributing to the UK tax base.

What impact will potential tax increases have on the future of high street betting shops? Will regulatory changes successfully steer gamblers towards safer, licensed platforms, or will they simply migrate to unregulated offshore operators?

Understanding Gambling Tax in the UK

The UK gambling industry is subject to a complex tax regime.Currently, the primary tax is General Betting Duty (GBD) levied on the profits of bookmakers. Remote gaming duty is applied to online gambling revenue. The potential changes being discussed centre around increasing these rates or introducing new levies.

Tax Type	Rate	Applicable To
General Betting Duty (GBD)	15%	Profits from over-the-counter betting
Remote Gaming Duty (RGD)	21%	Gross gaming yield from online gambling

Frequently asked Questions about UK gambling Taxes

• What is the current tax rate for betting shops in the UK? The current General Betting Duty is 15% on profits.
• What is the potential impact of a 50% tax rate? Industry experts predict ample shop closures and job losses.
• Why is the government considering increasing gambling taxes? to generate additional revenue for the Treasury and address concerns about the affordability of gambling.
• What is the difference between GBD and RGD? GBD applies to land-based betting, while RGD applies to online gambling.
• Will higher taxes drive gamblers to offshore operators? There is a significant risk that increased taxation will encourage players to use unregulated, offshore platforms.

How might increased corporate taxes specifically impact research and development (R&D) investment within teh pharmaceutical industry?

Tax Increases Pose Significant Risk to Industry Stability

The Ripple Effect of Higher Corporate Taxes

Increased tax burdens on businesses aren’t simply a matter of accounting; they trigger a cascade of effects that can destabilize entire industries. While governments frequently enough implement tax hikes to fund public services or reduce deficits,a failure to consider the broader economic consequences can lead to unintended and damaging outcomes. This article examines the specific risks, impacts, and potential mitigation strategies related to rising corporate tax rates.

Impact on Investment and Growth

One of the most immediate consequences of higher taxes is a reduction in business investment. When a larger portion of profits is allocated to taxes, less capital is available for:

* Research and Development (R&D): Innovation slows, hindering long-term competitiveness.

* capital Expenditures: Expansion plans are shelved, and upgrades to existing infrastructure are delayed.

* Hiring: Job creation stalls, and companies may even resort to layoffs to maintain profitability.

* Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Deal flow decreases as the financial viability of transactions diminishes.

This decreased investment directly impacts economic growth, leading to slower GDP expansion and potentially even recessionary pressures. The effect is particularly pronounced in capital-intensive industries like manufacturing, technology, and energy.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Inflationary Pressures

Tax increases don’t exist in a vacuum. Businesses often respond by passing increased costs onto consumers thru higher prices,contributing to inflation. This is especially true in industries with limited competition or inelastic demand.

Furthermore,higher taxes can exacerbate existing supply chain disruptions. Companies may reduce production due to lower profitability, leading to shortages and further price increases. This creates a vicious cycle that erodes consumer confidence and weakens the overall economy. The recent increases in taxes on certain imported goods, for example, have demonstrably contributed to rising costs for consumers and businesses alike.

Industry-Specific Vulnerabilities

The impact of tax policy changes isn’t uniform across all sectors. Some industries are particularly vulnerable:

* Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs frequently enough lack the financial resources to absorb higher taxes and are more likely to scale back operations or close down entirely.Small business tax relief is often crucial.

* Manufacturing: This sector is heavily reliant on capital investment and is particularly sensitive to changes in tax incentives.

* Energy: The energy industry faces significant upfront costs and is frequently enough subject to complex tax regulations. Increased taxes can discourage investment in new energy sources and hinder the transition to a sustainable energy economy.

* Technology: Rapid innovation requires significant R&D spending. Higher taxes can stifle innovation and allow competitors in countries with more favorable tax environments to gain an advantage.

The Risk of Capital flight and Tax inversion

When tax rates become excessively high, businesses may choose to relocate to countries with more favorable tax regimes – a phenomenon known as capital flight. This not only deprives the original country of tax revenue but also leads to job losses and a decline in economic activity.

Tax inversion, where a company merges with a foreign entity to reduce its tax burden, is another concerning trend. While frequently enough legal, tax inversion represents a significant loss of tax revenue and can undermine the fairness of the tax system.

Past Case Studies: Lessons Learned

Several historical examples illustrate the detrimental effects of poorly designed tax policies:

* The Kennedy Tax Cuts (1964): These cuts, aimed at stimulating economic growth, lead to a period of sustained expansion and job creation.This demonstrates the positive impact of tax reduction strategies.

* The Reagan Tax Cuts (1981): Similar to the Kennedy cuts, these reductions spurred economic activity and investment.

* Ireland’s Corporate Tax Rate (Historically Low): Ireland’s historically low corporate tax rate attracted significant foreign investment, transforming its economy. However, this has also led to international scrutiny and pressure to increase rates.

* France’s 75% Top Income tax Rate (2013-2014): This rate, applied to incomes over €1 million, led to capital flight and discouraged investment, ultimately being repealed.

These cases highlight the importance of carefully considering the potential consequences of tax changes and adopting a long-term outlook.

Mitigating the Risks: Policy Recommendations

To minimize the negative impacts of tax increases,policymakers should consider the following:

1. Gradual Implementation: Phasing in tax increases over time allows businesses to adjust and minimizes disruption.
2. Targeted Tax Relief: Providing tax incentives for specific industries or activities, such as R&D or green energy, can encourage investment and innovation.
3. Broadening the Tax Base: Instead of simply raising rates, expanding the tax base by closing loopholes and eliminating tax shelters can generate revenue without unduly burdening businesses.
4. International Coordination: harmonizing tax policies across countries can reduce the incentive for capital flight and tax inversion.
5. Regular Tax Policy Review: Conducting periodic reviews of the tax system to assess its impact on the economy and make necessary adjustments.
6. Investment in Workforce Development: Supporting programs that train and upskill workers can help mitigate the impact of job losses due to automation or relocation.

Benefits of a Stable and Predictable Tax Habitat

A stable and predictable tax system is essential for fostering