Nigel Farage continues to back seaside amusements and betting shops ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget, warning that higher taxes could threaten these venues and a £15 billion national industry. It’s a politically savvy move by the Reform leader who has identified Labour’s vulnerable high street and seaside constituencies as up for grabs. Rachel Reeves beware?
Nigel Farage has thrown his weight behind Britain’s amusements, gaming and gambling industry ahead of next week’s Budget, expressing concerns that higher taxes could threaten the future of seaside amusements.
In an article for the Sun, the Reform UK leader championed seaside sector venues such as Clacton Pier, which he described as home to “innocent amusements” where children put “a tuppence” into 2p slot machines. Farage wrote that he “loves a bet” and called seaside machines “part of our heritage”.
The MP for Clacton also emphasised the social value of betting shops, arguing that they play a vital role on the high street
“One of the things in the high street that does still survive is the bookmaker’s shop, which actually for a lot of lonely people is a place they can go in and meet people,” he said.
Farage highlighted that 22 million people a week “have a bet” in the UK and warned that Chancellor Rachel Reeves risks damaging a £15 billion sector if she raises gambling taxes. He said tougher taxation could lead to the closure of “hundreds, maybe thousands” of betting shops across the country.
However, critics such as Labour MP Dawn Butler still believe they are more in touch with the British public than the leader of Britain’s populist party – although she should perhaps read the polls with Labour currently tanking it.
“Nigel Farage’s comments show how out of touch he is,” she told Left Foot Forward. “To trivialise addiction and paint adult gaming centers as social hubs is deeply irresponsible.”
Farage, though, clearly disagrees. In his Sun interview he expressed his deep concern about the amusements sector if taxes are raised. He stated: “I genuinely wonder where the Clacton Pier [will go], or the other 400 seaside villages and towns that have innocent amusements where kids put in tuppence.”
Originally published on Coinslot on November 24, 2025. Republished with permission.