Thinktank Poll Shows 43% Public Backing for Tax Increases Targeting High-Street Slot Venues and Casinos

Recent polling data from an influential thinktank indicates 43% of the public supports raising taxes on adult gaming centres, often called slot sheds, along with casinos, while the same survey highlights how such measures could reshape revenue streams for these venues. The findings, released just before the end of June 2026, focus specifically on Category B machines that offer £2 spins and currently contribute around £600m annually through machine games duty set at 20%.

Details Behind the Tax Proposal

Doubling that duty to 40% stands to deliver between £275m and £458m in additional revenue each year according to projections tied directly to the current machine base, and observers note this calculation applies only to high-street locations rather than lower-stakes devices found in pubs. The proposal leaves pub-based machines untouched, creating a clear distinction that targets denser concentrations of gaming equipment in dedicated centres and larger casino floors. Figures from the poll suggest this targeted approach aligns with public sentiment at the 43% level, although support levels vary when broken down by region and demographic.

Andy Burnham's Past Comments and Potential Role

Andy Burnham, frequently mentioned as a contender for higher office, has voiced criticisms of the sector in earlier statements, and analysts track how those positions could influence decisions if he moves forward on policy changes. The Guardian reported on the poll and its connection to Burnham's record, noting that action on machine games duty would affect only specific high-street operations while sparing pubs. Data shows the extra revenue estimates rest on maintaining the existing number of Category B machines, which means any reduction in machine counts could alter the final totals.

How the Changes Would Apply Across Venues

Adult gaming centres and casinos would face the full impact of the doubled rate, whereas pubs with their lower-stake offerings remain outside the scope, and this split reflects an effort to concentrate revenue collection where machine density runs highest. Researchers who examined similar duty adjustments in past years found that venue operators often respond by reviewing machine numbers or adjusting operating hours, though exact outcomes depend on location and customer patterns. The poll itself captured responses during a period when discussions about gambling regulation continued into July 2026, providing a snapshot of opinion at that moment.

Those who've followed tax policy in the gambling sector know the current £600m baseline comes exclusively from the £2 spin machines, which means the projected uplift hinges on applying the new rate without exemptions for the affected sites. Evidence from the thinktank report points to steady contributions from these machines over recent years, giving planners a concrete base for forecasting the £275m to £458m range. What's notable is how the proposal avoids broader application to every gaming location, instead drawing a line between high-street dedicated centres and more casual pub settings.

Revenue Projections and Supporting Data

Calculations released alongside the poll tie the extra funds directly to the existing machine inventory, and further analysis shows that any future growth or decline in machine numbers would shift those estimates accordingly. The 43% support figure emerges from a national sample that included questions on both tax levels and venue types, while separate breakdowns reveal stronger backing in certain urban areas where high-street centres cluster. Reports link the data to ongoing policy conversations, particularly those referencing Burnham's earlier remarks on the industry.

Conclusion

The poll and its associated revenue projections establish a clear factual baseline for discussions around machine games duty as July 2026 progresses, with the 43% support level and the £275m–£458m range providing measurable points for any future decisions. The distinction between high-street adult gaming centres, casinos, and pub machines remains central to how the changes would roll out if implemented. Data from the thinktank continues to inform conversations among policymakers and industry participants alike.