Labour tax raid on bookies sparks backlash as industry chiefs warn of site closures and job losses

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 17:00 EDT, 13 August 2026 Labour is facing a mounting backlash over its attack on gambling as industry chiefs warn of site closures and job losses.Stella David, the boss of Ladbrokes and Coral owner Entain, said a ‘significant and disappointing’ rise in remote gaming duty from 21 per cent to 40 per cent in April by Rachel Reeves would have a ‘massive impact’.The company behind Mecca bingo halls and Grosvenor Casinos said further tax hikes on the industry under Andy Burnham’s regime would force venues out of business.Under Reeves’ plans, the levy on online sports betting will go up from 15 per cent to 25 per cent in April.And although she has been sacked, Burnham has raised the prospect of a fresh onslaught after he announced a clampdown on rules linked to opening betting shops.He sparked outrage by lumping such sites in with vape shops and ‘dodgy businesses linked to organised crime’ as he outlined his proposals to save Britain’s ‘hollowed-out’ high streets. Busted flush: Entain boss Stella David, pictured, said the increase in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% in April by Rachel Reeves would have a 'massive impact' on the businessDavid stressed that its shops are ‘valued’ by communities and said numbers are in decline, with Ladbrokes closing 45 in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland this year. And she outlined the cost of the hike in remote gaming duty imposed by Rachel Reeves, after Entain last month announced plans to cut 500 jobs.‘It is very early days, but the tax changes are going to have a massive impact. It is likely to be around £250million,’ she said.Richard Harris, chief executive of the Rank Group behind the Mecca and Grosvenor brands, said: ‘Tax proposals from anti-gambling campaigners continue to cast clouds over a regulated industry that is proud to support jobs across the country and deliver great hospitality experiences to millions. Rank paid over £225million in taxes and duties last year.‘Tax increases for clubs like ours, with high levels of supervision and operating on tight margins, will swiftly lead to lower tax receipts as much-loved bingo halls and casinos will be forced to close, impacting customers in local communities.’William Hill owner Evoke this week said it had shut more than a fifth of its betting shops as it is battered by the tax.And figures from the Betting and Gaming Council show more than 540 shops have closed, with the loss of 4,500 jobs, since the changes made in last year’s Budget.DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you