The UK’s machine games duty has risen to 25%, according to the report. Analysts said larger gambling operators may be able to absorb the increase, while Regulus warned that effects on cash flow and investment would emerge over several years.
The higher duty may affect operators’ cash flow, investment plans and decisions about closures.
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A report published on 27 October 2026 discussed possible changes to UK Machine Games Duty ahead of the budget. Its headline and preview refer to a possible 5% increase and say retail operators expect any rise to contribute to closures; the report says the outcome remains uncertain.
Per Widerström, chief executive of Evoke, called on the UK government to consider carefully the effect of raising machine games duty. He said higher taxes have a real impact on jobs and livelihoods after cuts and job losses across the sector in the past 12 months.
The UK's machine games duty rate is expected to rise from 20% to 25% in next week's Autumn Budget, short of the 40% recommended by an influential think tank. The report did not state the source of the expected rate.
The UK government could limit an increase in the ordinary Machine Games Duty rate to 25% from the current 20%, rather than the 40% previously floated, according to the Times. The measure could be included in the Budget Chancellor John Healey presents on 28 October, with no official confirmation yet. The Betting and Gaming Council had estimated a 40% rate could close about 2,900 betting shops and put more than 21,000 jobs at risk.
The UK government could limit an increase in the ordinary Machine Games Duty (MGD) rate to 25% from the current 20%, according to the Times. The five percentage point rise would be smaller than the doubling to 40% floated in recent months. The measure could be included in the Budget that Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey presents on 28 October. No official confirmation has been given.
Reportedly, a UK and Ireland bookmaker has opened a market on its platform on the rate of Machine Games Duty after next week's Autumn Budget.