Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for an increase in Machine Gaming Duty to fund winter fuel support. Speaking on the BBC, he said the levy could raise up to £500 million without affecting bingo halls or pubs if targeted at Adult Entertainment Centres.
Brown has pressed for tougher gambling taxes before. Ahead of last November's budget he urged Remote Gaming Duty to rise to 50%, MGD to 50%, and General Betting Duty to 25%. Then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves adopted part of the plan: RGD went from 21% to 40%, GBD will climb from 15% to 25% in April 2027. MGD was left unchanged.
Current Prime Minister Andy Burnham has shown interest in sector regulation. He backs fewer betting shops on the high street and in July moved to scrap the Aim to Permit rule from the Gambling Act 2005, which made it easier for councils to license bookmakers. Burnham is also weighing lower property tax for pubs and music venues, funded by higher rates on vape shops and possibly AGCs. That proposal has not been approved.
Brown's influence on gambling tax policy remains visible, though he now operates outside cabinet.
