The UK government has been warned to modernize casino rules before imposing extra costs, as the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) has raised concerns about the potential impact on jobs and businesses in 2024.

In an op-ed article for the BGC, David Williams of Rank Group emphasized the need for swift modernization plans in the casino sector to ensure its survival amidst proposed changes that could benefit the industry. Williams highlighted the urgency of introducing these changes ahead of the expected impact of freezing casino duty bands, which could cost the sector £5 million per year.

Rank’s director of public affairs, Williams, stressed the importance of implementing policies outlined in the white paper, including changes to gaming machine allocations, allowing casinos to offer sports betting, and expanding electronic payment methods. According to Williams, these modernization efforts are crucial for driving revenue and absorbing increased costs.

Williams urged the government to expedite their response to the land-based consultation, lay the necessary statutory instruments, and deliver the legislation in the first half of 2024. He emphasized the need for timely action to catch up with global casino standards and modernize the industry to make it more appealing.

The BGC previously accused the UK government of implementing a stealth tax raid on casinos, estimating a potential £5 million annual cost to the industry due to the freezing of gaming duty bands outlined in the autumn statement by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. The council highlighted that the freeze effectively creates a £25 million tax increase for casinos over the next five years, posing a threat to recovery and future growth in the sector.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, expressed concerns about the impact of the ‘stealth tax,’ emphasizing its potential to hinder the sector’s recovery and weaken future growth. The industry is calling for the removal of the tax to provide a much-needed boost for land-based casinos.