Fred Done has intensified his campaign against potential tax increases on the UK gambling sector, warning that worsening economic conditions could drive betting shops out of the market by 2030.
The Betfred founder has targeted the government’s occupants of Number 10 and 11 as the sector faces what he regards as a wider disregard for both retail and online gambling. Betfred currently operates around 1,600 shops in the UK.
Betting shop numbers under pressure
Done’s warnings came as recent Gambling Commission figures showed the number of betting shops in the UK fell to 5,617 between April 2025 and March 2026. That represented a 3.6% decline from the previous year.
The figures contrast with the government’s continued claim that betting shops are expanding across the country. Done has argued that a further deterioration in the sector’s economic conditions could accelerate closures.
He has also warned that the reported increase in Machine Games Duty could cost 2,475 jobs and result in £66.8m in lost tax revenue. Betfred closed 132 shops in July, adding to concerns about the effect of further tax pressure on the retail betting estate.
“The High Street will be dead,” Done said, warning that following the Social Market Foundation’s advice again would speed up the decline of retail betting.
Racing and Rugby League sponsorship at risk
Done shares an interest in Rugby League with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who served as President of the Rugby Football League in 2018–19 and has regularly highlighted his support for the sport. Burnham said after his term that his “love of the game has grown and grown”.
Rugby League relies heavily on commercial partners, with Betfred among its most prominent in recent years. However, the operator has confirmed that it will end its sponsorship of the league at the conclusion of 2026. Done said the decision broke his heart.
He has issued an even stronger warning about horse racing. Measures introduced by the previous government were intended to protect the sport’s future, but further restrictions on regulated gambling could also jeopardise Betfred’s sponsorship of five British Classics: the Derby, Oaks, St Leger, 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas.
Done’s approach marks a shift towards more personal and direct lobbying after industry warnings about the black market failed to influence the previous budget debate. With the gambling sector facing potentially severe tax increases for retail operators, the economic consequences he has outlined are intended to put pressure on Andy Burnham’s government.
The campaign will need broader support from other industry leaders if that pressure is to be maintained, including on the Prime Minister and Heale.
