Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs) are all but confirmed to be facing an increase in business rates on England’s high streets, but a question hangs over whether bookmakers will be included too.
Retail betting was excluded from the tax increase announced in the November 2025 budget by Rachel Reeves, then Chancellor of the Exchequer under Keir Starmer’s government. A change in administration has shifted the goalposts, however.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has all but confirmed that Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs) and other gambling venues will take the burden of slashing business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
The initial plans of the new PM were announced [July 23] via a briefing titled “Burnham means business”.
