Landmark report finds four in ten casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home, while nearly three-quarters visited other local businesses
New research from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has highlighted the important role Britain’s casinos play in supporting high streets, attracting visitors into town and city centres, and boosting neighbouring hospitality businesses.
The findings, to be unveiled at an event hosted by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) at London’s Hippodrome Casino today (14 October), reveal that 41.1 per cent of surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home.
More than half (55 per cent) said they probably or definitely would not otherwise have visited the local area, while 72.1 per cent reported using at least one other local business during their visit.
The landmark report, Beyond Gaming: The Evolution of Britain’s Land-Based Casinos as Nightlife Destinations, examines how modern casinos are evolving into broader hospitality, leisure and entertainment destinations, supporting local jobs, businesses and the wider night-time economy.
The research highlights the contribution of Britain’s 108 licensed casinos, which support approximately 14,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract nearly 14 million visits annually.
It also comes as the sector looks to capitalise on the Government’s 2025 casino reforms, which opened new opportunities for investment and modernisation. Casino operators have identified approximately £200 million of planned capital investment over the next five years, including improvements to hospitality facilities, entertainment venues and customer experiences. However, concerns remain that uncertainty over potential changes to Machine Games Duty in the Autumn Budget could undermine business confidence and hold back investment.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, said: “Britain’s high streets need businesses that give people a reason to leave home and spend time in our towns and cities. More than four in ten surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home, and almost three-quarters used another local business.
“Modern casinos support jobs, hospitality, entertainment and neighbouring businesses. That contribution deserves recognition in the national conversation about high-street regeneration.”
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “These findings show that Britain’s casinos have a vital role to play in supporting our high streets, creating jobs and bringing people into our towns and cities. Casinos are about much more than gaming. They are major employers and entertainment destinations, supporting restaurants, bars, hotels and countless other businesses that depend on a thriving visitor economy.
“The Government’s welcome reforms last year gave casinos new opportunities to modernise, diversify and invest. With around £200 million of investment planned across the sector, there is a real opportunity to deliver even greater benefits for local communities.
“But that progress cannot be taken for granted. Businesses need certainty and confidence to invest, and further tax pressures risk holding back the very growth and regeneration we all want to see.
“We should be backing well-regulated businesses that support jobs, investment and Britain’s high streets, not putting further obstacles in their way.”
The report underscores the growing importance of modern casinos as destinations that combine gaming with restaurants, bars, live entertainment and other hospitality experiences. It also highlights the need for a stable policy environment to ensure that recent regulatory reforms can translate into new investment, employment opportunities and economic activity in communities across Britain.
The full report is available here.