Fears for piers over 'devastating' hikes in gambling taxes
Seaside arcade owners fear doubling machine gaming duty to 40% could bankrupt small coastal businesses at Budget.Summary
Owners of seaside arcades across Britain are warning that a proposed doubling of machine gaming duty to 40% at next month's Budget could push them out of business. The Chancellor is reportedly considering the tax hike as part of a measure targeting High Street bookmakers, but the broader impact would also hit struggling pubs, bingo halls, and amusement arcades. Charles Holland, whose family firm operates seven arcades in the south west including Burnham-on-Sea, home to Britain's shortest pier, called the increase "absolutely devastating." He explained that unlike other businesses, arcades cannot raise prices because maximum stakes and prizes are fixed by the Government, meaning they would have to reduce opening hours or close entirely. Holland noted that seaside arcades often serve as vital economic supports for small coastal communities during lean winter months, as popularized by the arcade in TV's Gavin & Stacey. The Treasury declined to comment on the specifics, stating only that the Chancellor is focused on giving families and businesses breathing room, backing British jobs, and driving growth.
(Source：Mail Online)