Entain says UK slot tax rise could add nearly €30m in costs

Entain has criticised the UK government's decision to raise slot taxation from 20% to 25% in the forthcoming Budget, the company said. Stella David, Entain's chief executive, said the change was a further disappointing decision by the government.

Entain estimates the measure could add almost €30m in costs across its retail estate in the UK and Ireland. The company said it has kept its forecasts for the 2026 financial year unchanged and still expects adjusted cash flow of about €600m by the end of 2028.

Entain said it expects to offset the full impact of the increase by the end of 2028 through a combination of property rationalisation, optimisation initiatives and potential market share acquisitions.

David said earlier tax increases on gambling announced in November last year had already had negative consequences for the whole sector, affecting employees, communities and customers. Entain said well-balanced regulatory frameworks, including proportionate tax regimes, are essential to protect customers while contributing to employment, local communities and tax revenue, and that it could not welcome a further increase in the tax burden on a sector already heavily taxed by the taxes announced in November 2025.

David said Entain would keep working to limit the impact of the changes on its business, employees and the communities where it operates, and that its priority is to protect jobs where possible while maintaining a sustainable commercial presence on main UK high streets.