Statement Regarding UK Gambling Tax Increases
Summary by AI BETAClose X
28 October 2026
Entain plc
(“Entain” or the “Group”)
Statement regarding UK gambling tax increases
Entain plc (LSE: ENT), the global sports betting and gaming group, notes the UK Government’s Budget statement and the decision to further increase UK gambling taxes.
Entain strongly believes that well-balanced regulatory frameworks including proportionate tax regimes are critical to protecting customers, whilst also making valuable contributions to employment, local communities and tax revenues.
Entain is disappointed by the UK Government’s decision to increase the tax burden on an already highly taxed industry. This latest rise in gambling tax will have a detrimental impact on the wider industry, UK high streets, jobs and livelihoods, compounding the pressures the sector is already facing since the disproportionate tax increases that were announced in November 2025.
As a result of today’s changes to UK Machine Gaming Duty1, Entain estimates an annualised additional cost to our UK&I Retail business of approximately £25m2, before any mitigating measures.
Entain operates the strongest offering on the UK High Street and therefore anticipates an opportunity for customer recapture as peers re-evaluate their UK market presence.
Through a combination of estate rationalisation, Group-wide optimisation initiatives and potential market share gains, Entain expects to be able to fully mitigate the impact of this latest tax increase by the end of 2028.
Entain’s FY26 guidance3 and expectation of generating £500m annual adjusted cashflow4 in 2028, both remain unchanged.
Entain will continue to take decisive actions to navigate and mitigate the impact of these additional taxes. The Group’s strong fundamentals, disciplined focus on growth and optimisation support its confidence in delivering strong future cash-generation. Entain’s diverse and globally scaled portfolio sees the Group well positioned to be a long-term industry winner.
Stella David, CEO of Entain, commented:
“This is another disappointing decision by the Government. The previous gambling tax increases announced in November last year have already had detrimental consequences across the industry, with the effects being felt by employees, communities as well as customers. These additional tax changes will further compound that damage and push more people into the growing illegal market.
We will continue to work hard to limit the impact of these changes on our business, our people, and the communities in which we operate. Our priority is to protect jobs wherever possible whilst supporting a sustainable retail presence on UK high streets.”
Notes
- UK Machine Gaming Duty (MGD) charged on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) generated from type 2 gaming machines in Entain’s retail shops, will increase from 20% to 25% from 1 April 2027
- Based on consensus estimates for FY27 UK&I Retail Net Gaming Revenue
- Guidance as stated on 15 October 2026
- Cashflow before working capital, equity dividends, acquisitions and associated financing
Enquiries:
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Investor Relations - Entain plc |
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Media - Entain plc |
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Sodali & Co Rob Greening/Russ Lynch/Sam Austrums |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7250 1446 |
Forward-looking statements
This document contains certain statements that are forward-looking statements. They appear in a number of places throughout this document and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations and those of our officers, Directors and employees concerning, amongst other things, results of our operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the business we operate. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, these statements involve risks and uncertainties since future events and circumstances can cause results and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. Any such forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this document. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014) as it forms part of English law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Prospectus Rules), the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast. The Company and its Directors accept no liability to third parties in respect of this document save as would arise under English law.
About Entain plc
Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE listed company and is one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports brands include BetCity, bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet, Sports Interaction, STS and SuperSport; Gaming brands include Foxy Bingo, Gala, GiocoDigitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, Partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group operates the TAB NZ brand as part of a long-term strategic partnership with TAB New Zealand. The Group owns proprietary technology across all its core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations, provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis.
The Group has a 50/50 joint venture, BetMGM, a leader in sports betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology and capabilities which power BetMGM as well as exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios.
The Group is tax resident in the UK and is a global operator focused on regulated or regulating markets, operating in over 30 territories.
Entain is a leader in ESG, a member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AAA rated by MSCI. For more information see the Group’s website: www.entaingroup.com.
LEI: 213800GNI3K45LQR8L28
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