Machine Games Duty set to rise to 25% in UK Budget, not 40%, report claims as stocks rally

A report that the UK Treasury will raise Machine Games Duty to 25%, rather than the 40% doubling the industry feared, is unconfirmed and the decision lands with the Autumn Budget on October 28, 2026. Machine Games Duty, the levy on takings from gaming machines in betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and Adult Gaming Centres, currently stands at 20%. According to unnamed sources cited in national newspaper reporting relayed by two trade outlets, Chancellor John Healey will lift it by 5 percentage points to 25% in the Budget.