Britain’s “much-loved” bingo halls are at risk if the Andy Burnham commits to a £460m [$621m] hike on gambling taxes, the owner of Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo has said.
Richard Harris, chief executive of Rank Group, said on Thursday: “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 of customers.”
The FTSE 250 firm said it paid more than £225m [$304m] in taxes last year, and warned the government against further tax hikes on the gambling industry.
Ahead of Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister, a left-wing think tank had speculated that he could raise £460m by hiking tax on slot and fruit machines from 20 to 40 per cent.
