Betting shops drive high street spending as tax pressures mount
New research fuels the industry’s argument that retail betting contributes more to local economies than gambling activity alone.
Key takeaways:
- A YouGov survey found 90% of betting shop customers combine bookmaker visits with other shopping or local activities.
- More than half of customers (54%) said they do so on most or nearly every visit.
- Around 68% of respondents described betting shops as established high street fixtures, while 60% said they support local employment.
- Among betting shop users, 76% viewed betting shops positively as social venues, compared with 77% for cafés.
- The findings were released as the industry faces shop closures, job cuts and uncertainty over a possible increase in machine games duty.
A YouGov survey commissioned by Entain suggests betting shops generate economic activity beyond gambling, with most customers combining visits to bookmakers with spending elsewhere on the high street. The findings arrive at a crucial moment for the retail betting sector, which is facing mounting tax pressures, restructuring programmes and renewed political debate over the future taxation of land-based gambling venues.
UK- A new YouGov survey has found that betting shops generate wider spending across UK high streets, with 90 per cent of customers combining visits to bookmakers with other shopping, spending or local activities. The poll, which surveyed 1,475 UK adults, found that nine in 10 betting shop users said they pair their visit with other activities or purchases on at least some occasions. More than half, 54 per cent, said they do so on most or nearly every visit.
The findings, published by Entain, highlight the broader economic role of retail betting outlets at a time when the industry is facing growing scrutiny ahead of this week’s Autumn Budget announcement on Wednesday (October 28). Entain operates one of the UK’s largest retail betting networks through its Ladbrokes and Coral brands. Commenting on the research, Entain UK and Ireland managing director Bejay Patel said betting shops play an important role beyond gambling activity alone.
“This research confirms what our hard-working colleagues know to be true – betting shops are a cornerstone of every high street and provide a boost to local business,” he said. “We need to recognise the important contribution betting shops make to our economy and local communities alike.”
The survey also examined perceptions of betting shops within local communities. Around 68 per cent of respondents described them as established fixtures on the high street, while 60 per cent said they help support local employment.
Among betting shop users, 76 per cent viewed them positively as places to meet and socialise, a figure broadly comparable with cafés, which received a 77 per cent rating.
The findings form part of Entain’s What’s at Stake campaign, which seeks to highlight the contribution betting shops make to local economies and communities.
The publication of the survey comes during a challenging period for the UK retail betting sector. Several operators have announced significant changes to their retail estates this year. Betfred and Evoke, which owns William Hill, have both announced sweeping betting shop closures, while Flutter recently said 1,400 jobs across its UK and Ireland operations could be affected by a restructuring programme.
The sector is also facing increased tax pressures following the rise in remote gaming duty from 21 per cent to 40 per cent from April 2026 and the upcoming rise in General Betting Duty for online bets to 25 per cent from April 2027. It’s widely expected that Wednesday’s budget announcement will include changes to Machine Games Duty (MGD) for land-based venues.
Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Grainne Hurst has warned that any increase would place additional strain on an industry already coping with higher tax costs.
“Any further tax increase would heap more pressure on an industry already facing substantial tax rises, threatening jobs, high streets and vital funding for British racing,” she said. “With the budget still to come, we urge the chancellor to consider the full economic consequences of any further tax increases and protect the jobs, businesses and British sport that depend on the regulated industry.”
FAQs
How many betting shop customers spend money elsewhere during their visit?
According to the YouGov survey, 90% of betting shop users combine visits with other activities or purchases at least some of the time. More than half said they do so on most or nearly every visit.
How are betting shops viewed by local communities?
The survey found that 68% of respondents see betting shops as established parts of the high street, while 60% believe they support local employment.
Are betting shops considered social venues?
Among betting shop users, 76% said betting shops are positive places to meet and socialise. That result was broadly in line with cafés, which received a 77% rating.
Why is this survey significant for the UK betting industry?
The research was published as operators face closures, job losses and potential tax increases. Industry stakeholders are using the findings to argue that betting shops provide wider economic benefits to local communities and high streets.
