Farage & French attack Healey’s gambling tax rise

Labour’s Dawn Butler says she wanted a higher rate, while Reform UK warns the rise threatens British racing.

The hit

Chancellor John Healey’s Budget decision to raise Machine Games Duty on Category B gaming machines from 20% to 25% has split reaction across Westminster, according to SBC News. Labour MPs Alex Ballinger & Dawn Butler welcomed the move, while Green leader Zack Polanski called the Budget “soft”. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage & Shadow Minister for Culture, Media & Sport Louie French attacked the rise. Farage warned of harm to racing & the high street, while French pointed to racing, jobs, sponsorship & the black market.

Why it matters

Dawn Butler says “we were after 40%”, calling the rise a step in the right direction that “could’ve gone further”. Ballinger, who backed the rise, says “we must now build on today’s progress with stronger protections”. The Betting & Gaming Council joined operators & MPs including Farage & French in protesting the increase, according to SBC News.

The record

Machine Games Duty rise	20% to 25% on Category B machines (Chancellor John Healey’s Budget)
Rate Dawn Butler wanted	40% (Labour MP for Brent)
Also announced	Adult gaming centres excluded from business rates relief
Industry allies in protest	Gambling operators, the Betting & Gaming Council, Nigel Farage & Louie French

What happens next

Watch for the Treasury’s next fiscal event & any BGC-led lobbying push, as Reform UK & Louie French continue to criticise the MGD rise.

Sources: Healey’s gambling tax rise splits opinions of UK MPs

Named in this story? Reply to newsdesk@infobets.com & we publish it.

18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.