The CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Grainne Hurst, has raised concerns about the potential impact of increasing the Machine Games Duty (MGD) to 40%. This tax currently applies to slot machines and similar gambling devices in physical locations like betting shops and casinos. According to research cited by Hurst, raising the MGD could lead to the closure of up to 1,500 betting shops and as many as 34 casinos, putting around 16,000 jobs at risk. A report from EY, an accounting and consulting firm, suggests that the government might actually lose £124 million if the tax increase leads to widespread closures, as the revenue from fewer machines could drop significantly. An independent think tank, the Social Market Foundation (SMF), recently suggested that doubling the MGD from 20% to 40% could generate between £275 million and £458 million in additional tax revenue from slot machines that cost £2 per spin. This would fall under Category B, which includes machines with lower stakes. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously supported reforms targeting the gambling industry, and Chancellor John Healey is said to be considering similar measures in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Hurst emphasized that the gambling industry is already under pressure from rising costs, including higher wages, business taxes, and energy bills. She also pointed to the effects of regulatory changes, which have made it harder for businesses to operate profitably. Hurst urged government ministers to consider how a tax increase could harm not only businesses but also local communities and the broader economy. Since 2019, over 3,000 betting shops have closed, resulting in more than 16,000 job losses, according to Hurst. The impact of these closures extends beyond the high street, potentially affecting industries like horse racing, which relies on betting revenue. Additionally, there is concern that increased regulation and taxation might push some gamblers toward illegal or unregulated gambling sites. Major gambling companies, such as Entain and Rank Group, have already announced job cuts and warnings about the future of their physical locations. The Autumn Budget is scheduled for 28 October, and the government has already taken steps to increase taxes on the gambling sector. In the 2025 Budget, the Remote Gaming Duty, which applies to online gambling, was raised from 21% to 40% in April. General betting duty is also set to increase in 2027, adding to the financial pressures on the industry.