Labour MPs want higher tax on fruit machines before budget

Rank Group, the operator most exposed to the change, warned a doubled duty would halt investment.

The hit

Labour MPs led by Alex Ballinger have written to chancellor John Healey calling for higher machine games duty on Category B gambling machines, according to iGaming Business. The letter, sent on Friday, lands days before the 28 October Autumn Budget & specifically targets B3 machines in Adult Gaming Centres.

Why it matters

A duty rise would hit land-based casinos & gaming centres hardest, with Rank Group named as most exposed due to its retail footprint. The industry says higher tax risks shop closures & job losses; MPs say the move is targeted & backed by public support. The chancellor’s budget decision will settle which side wins.

The record

Online gambling tax precedent	Remote gaming duty raised from 21% to 40%, effective 1 April 2026
Public support	43% of voters back higher slot machine taxes (Social Market Foundation poll)
Industry warning	Up to 16,000 jobs at risk, 1,500 betting shops & 34 casinos could close (Betting & Gaming Council)
Company performance	Rank Group reported 5% like-for-like NGR growth in Q1 of its 2026/27 financial year
Letter sent	Friday, ahead of the 28 October Autumn Budget

What happens next

Watch the Autumn Budget on 28 October, when chancellor John Healey is expected to announce the tax decision on land-based casinos & gaming machines.

Sources: Labour MPs call for increased tax on Category B machines

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