Betfred says gambling tax rise in budget will force it to shut all its UK shops

<p>Levies thought to be under consideration will kill profits, say bosses, as gambling firms ramp up lobbying efforts </p><p>Betfred has said it will close all 1,287 of its high street betting shops if Rachel Reeves raises taxes on the gambling industry in next month’s budget.</p><p>The company’s threat comes amid speculation that the chancellor is considering a tax increase worth up to £3.2bn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/12/william-hill-owner-could-shut-shops-if-reeves-raises-gambling-taxes">on sports betting</a> to help to close a potential £30bn shortfall in the public finances.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/19/betfred-gambling-tax-rise-shut-uk-shops">Continue reading...</a>