As the UK government prepares for the upcoming budget, the betting industry is expressing significant concern regarding potential tax adjustments. Specifically, there is widespread anticipation that the government may increase the Machine Games Duty (MGD). This tax, which applies to gaming machines found in betting shops, is a primary revenue stream for these businesses.

Industry stakeholders have warned that a hike in MGD could have severe consequences for the high-street betting sector. Some predictions suggest that such a move could force the closure of thousands of shops across the country. These concerns follow a period of relative stability for the industry, which had previously secured exemptions from other betting-related tax increases for 2025. The current anxiety reflects a broader fear that the government's fiscal policy could threaten the viability of traditional, physical betting locations, which have already faced significant challenges in recent years due to changing consumer habits and the rise of digital platforms.