Labour MPs back letter urging Chancellor to consider higher gaming duty
By The Weekly Edge desk ·
Summary
GamblingNews reported on 16 October 2026 that 89 Labour MPs backed a letter urging Chancellor John Healey to consider an increase in machine gaming duty. The letter discusses Category B machines and says a 40% rate could raise GBP 275 million to GBP 458 million a year, while noting that it does not specify this rate. BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst warned that higher taxes could lead to more shop closures; Bacta said a 40% rate could cost thousands of jobs.
Why it matters
Any change to machine gaming duty could affect Category B machine operators and the high streets where their venues operate.