UK Treasury disputes Betfred tax claim as bookmaker closes 132 shops
Deals & M&A · SectorWire deskSource published
Summary
Betfred has attributed its decision to close 132 retail betting shops partly to higher gambling taxes. HM Treasury said gambling duty rates for high street shops have not changed, disputing the tax argument. The Betting and Gaming Council said the closures showed its warnings about tax increases were materialising.
Why it matters
The dispute tests whether tax policy can be blamed for retail betting retrenchment as operators cut shop estates.
Cite as: SectorWire, “UK Treasury disputes Betfred tax claim as bookmaker closes 132 shops”, 3 August 2026, https://sectorwire.news/item/uk-treasury-disputes-betfred-tax-claim-as-bookmaker-closes-132-shops/
Key facts
- Parties
- Betfred, Betting and Gaming Council
- Market
- UK