The Aporia
The Aporia
Saker-Clark, H. (2026, September 27). Hike in gaming machine tax could put third of venues at risk, warns Rank. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rank-group-richard-harris-casino-government-b1298601.html
Saker-Clark, Henry. “Hike in gaming machine tax could put third of venues at risk, warns Rank.” Evening Standard, 27 Sept. 2026, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rank-group-richard-harris-casino-government-b1298601.html.
Saker-Clark, Henry. “Hike in gaming machine tax could put third of venues at risk, warns Rank.” Evening Standard, September 27, 2026. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rank-group-richard-harris-casino-government-b1298601.html.
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The UK government is reportedly considering a hike in machine games duty, which is currently set at 20% of profits from fruit machines, roulette machines, and other slot machines. This proposed increase could raise tax revenues by around £450 million, according to the Social Market Foundation think tank. Rank Group, parent company of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, warns that a potential rise in tax rates to 40% would put about one-third of its UK venues at risk, potentially affecting around 2,000 jobs. The company highlights significant impacts on local communities and the social importance of bingo halls, particularly in northern England. This proposal follows an earlier increase in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% for online gambling platforms in April 2023.
