Two of Britain’s biggest gambling operators have warned [UK Chancellor] John Healey that further tax increases in this month’s Budget could force betting shops and casinos to close, putting jobs and investment at risk.
Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, and Rank Group, which operates Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo, issued separate warnings on Thursday despite reporting growth in their UK businesses.
Entain said net gaming revenue rose two per cent in the third quarter, with its UK and Ireland business growing eight per cent, driven by a 14 per cent jump in online revenue.
Chief executive Stella David urged the government to reconsider any further tax increases on the sector.
