A new poll from YouGov has revealed 90% of betting shop customers in the UK combine their visit with spending or other local activities.
The study, for which YouGov gathered the views of 1,475 UK adults, found nine in 10 betting shop users combine their visit with other local activities, spending or shopping on “at least some occasions”.
Meanwhile, 54% said they do so on most or nearly every visit.
The findings, publicised on the website of leading operator Entain, demonstrated the wider financial impact of retail betting in the UK, with the autumn budget now less than a week away.
Entain holds an extensive retail presence through its Ladbrokes and Coral brands.
Commenting on the findings, Entain Group’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, Bejay Patel, highlighted the role betting shops play in supporting high streets and local economies.
“This research confirms what our hard-working colleagues know to be true – betting shops are a cornerstone of every high street and provide a boost to local business,” he said.
“We need to recognise the important contribution betting shops make to our economy and local communities alike.”
Broad support for UK retail betting
Alongside the economic impacts, the YouGov poll also explored the social side of retail betting in the UK.
A total of 68% of respondents said betting shops are established high-street fixtures, while 60% said they sustain local employment.
Meanwhile, 76% of betting shop users rated them positively as places to meet and interact, comparable to 77% for cafés.
Entain has sought to raise awareness of the positive impacts of betting shops through its What’s at Stake campaign.
Betting shops under pressure
The release of the findings comes at a difficult juncture for UK retail betting shops, as well as the wider sector.
Betfred and Evoke have both closed a significant number of shops this year, while Flutter this week announced 1,400 jobs across its UK and Ireland business were at risk as part of a restructure.
The UK sector has been heavily impacted by the rise in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%, which came into effect from April this year.
And further challenges could still be to come.
Ahead of next week’s autumn budget, a group of Labour MPs sent a letter to the UK Chancellor John Healey calling for machine games duty to be increased amid much speculation.
The rise, which is expected to be announced in Wednesday’s budget, could be increased from 20% to 40%, although The Times reported this week that it could be capped at 25%.
However, Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst this week said that any increase, even just 5%, would be damaging for the UK industry.
“Any further tax increase would heap more pressure on an industry already facing substantial tax rises, threatening jobs, high streets and vital funding for British racing,” she said.
“With the budget still to come, we urge the chancellor to consider the full economic consequences of any further tax increases and protect the jobs, businesses and British sport that depend on the regulated industry.”