UK budget reaction: Industry warns of jobs losses and shop closures

Early forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility suggest the rise in Machine Games Duty will bring in an additional £0.1bn in tax in 2027-28 Several gambling operators and industry organisations have hit out at the government’s “deeply disappointing” decision to increase Machine Games Duty (MGD), warning it will likely lead to further job losses and push more people to the illegal market. As confirmed by Chancellor John Healey in yesterday’s (28 October) budget , MGD will rise to 25% on higher stakes machines.