Fred Done’s Betfred is exploring plans to operate in the AGC (Adult Gaming Centre) space, otherwise known as slot arcades, NEXT.io has learned.
The Warrington-based bookmaker [on 31 July] announced it would close 132 shops across the UK, around 10% its total footprint, with 600 roles being lost in the process.
The closures come in the aftermath of the close to doubling of Remote Gaming Duty earlier in the year, with Betting Duty also set to be raised from April next year.
Joanne Whittaker, CEO of Betfred, said: “These are well-run shops, staffed by dedicated colleagues, and it is incredibly hard to see any of them close, but the current fiscal and regulatory environment has made it impossible to keep trading all our shops.”
