Betting Shops Are A Valuable Part Of The High Street - BGC STATEMENT

“Betting shops are an integral part of Britain’s high streets, supporting local communities, generating vital tax revenues, and helping to sustain much-loved national sports.

"Our members contribute £6.8 billion to the economy every year, generating £4 billion in tax while supporting 109,000 jobs across the UK. Crucially, betting shops themselves employ 46,000 hardworking people, many of whom live locally, ensuring that these businesses remain at the heart of the communities they serve.

"The industry’s support extends well beyond the shop floor. Horseracing benefits to the tune of £350 million annually, while the English Football League and its clubs receive £40 million.

"Other sports, including snooker, darts and rugby league, gain more than £12.5 million in much-needed funding. This backing is essential to grassroots sport.

"Betting shops also deliver for the Treasury and local councils, paying £1 billion a year in tax and a further £60 million in business rates.

"That is money which goes directly into public services and into supporting local economies. Importantly, a study by ESA Retail found that 89% of betting shop customers combine their visit to the bookies with trips to other local businesses, making betting shops a vital driver of footfall and growth on hard-pressed high streets.

"Strict age-verification measures are central to how regulated betting shops operate. Independent audits show compliance rates above 90 per cent, with ‘Think 25’ policies in place to protect young people and ensure the highest standards across the sector.

"These figures make betting shops among the very best performers on the high street when it comes to preventing underage sales.

"But the pressures on the sector are real. Since 2019 more than 2,400 shops have closed their doors, leaving just 5,870 in operation today. That underlines the challenges already faced by the industry, and why it is so important that government policy supports these businesses, their employees, and the communities who rely on them.We are proud of the role our members play, not only as employers and taxpayers, but as responsible operators who contribute to the cultural and sporting fabric of the nation.

"Betting shops are far more than just places to have a flutter: they are community hubs, economic drivers, and a vital part of the high street’s future.”