UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to scrap the Aim to Permit rule, which simplifies licensing for betting shops and gaming premises. He said he wants to give local authorities more control over what opens on their high streets. Operators say the PM is conflating licensed betting offices with adult gaming centres.
Burnham cited 'a rise in the number of betting shops', but Gambling Commission figures show the opposite: as of 31 March 2025, the UK had 8,234 licensed gambling premises, down from 12,207 in 2011. The one exception is AGCs, which grew from 1,351 in 2022 to 1,415.
Greg Knight, head of Jennings Bet, believes the government does not see the difference between LBOs and AGCs. 'I think the PM was talking about clusters of gaming centres,' he said. Knight acknowledged that scrapping Aim to Permit 'would seriously limit organic growth', but would not be a critical blow. For a retail operator like Jennings Bet, with over 200 sites, the impact is sharper than for larger chains.
Rank Group CEO Richard Harris said the change would not affect the company's casinos and bingo halls. 'We are proud of what we do. Our venues are part of communities. We will continue to operate in a safe environment,' he said.
Entain chief Stella David urged Burnham 'to be careful and not conflate traditional betting shops' with AGCs, which have 'a completely different style'. Entain owns the Ladbrokes and Coral chains. CFO Michael Snape noted that tax changes have created 'huge disruption in the market', but Entain is growing share.
Operators are waiting for detail. The main issue is uncertainty: whether Burnham will distinguish between premises types or go after the whole sector.
