Ministers have been accused of putting Britain’s high streets at risk after unveiling plans to curb the number of gambling venues.
Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the government would tackle “the proliferation of betting shops, ensuring our high streets remain welcoming and diverse”. The proposals form part of a £150million strategy designed to “breathe new life into town centres”.
Gambling industry figures reacted angrily, according to the Sun, with one if its industry sources saying: “On Sunday, Betfred’s founders are crowned the biggest taxpayers in the UK. Now, Labour wants to close betting shops. Profit’s a dirty word for this government.”
The intervention comes as the sector has already seen more than 2,300 betting shops close over the past five years.
“Bookies are a lifeline for Britain’s battered high streets, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and pouring nearly £1billion a year in tax into the economy,” commented Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council. “Around seven million people visit betting shops every year, and far from hurting the high street, almost nine in ten also pop into nearby shops and cafés, helping keep local businesses alive. With more than 2,300 betting shops shut in just five years, it’s snobby and out of touch to sneer at regulated bookies when our high streets are already losing trusted, well-run businesses that communities rely on.”
Add to that, the local sniffy’s favourites – such as banks and chain stores – are either exiting the high street because they don’t want to be there as is the case with banks, or can’t afford to, as is the case of the chain stores.
And every high street problem seems to always be the gambling sector’s fault. These councillors and MPs need to take a long hard look at themselves. The blame is a lot closer to home – just look in the mirror – it’s the councillors and local MPs who have destroyed the high street through indifference,and not those that are desperately trying to invest in it.
Originally published on Coinslot on February 9, 2026. Republished with permission.