Bacta is preparing its 2026 Autumn Budget submission, with a warning to government that an uptick in MGD will devastate seaside towns and high streets, triggering business closures, put a handbrake on investment and drive players into the unregulated gaming sector. President Joseph Cullis has assured members that the trade association is preparing the strongest possible case in favour of a progressive rather than a punitive fiscal regime.
The Bacta team is drawing on a combination of internal insight and external expertise as it prepares for the 2026 Autumn Budget, the first to be delivered by John Healey who was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer on July 20, 2026, by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
With the Chancellor presenting his fiscal plans to the House on 28 October the deadline for submissions has been set for 9th September and as Bacta President Joseph Cullis confirmed the countdown has started as the trade association repeats the evidence-based strategy it deployed in 2025.
Putting Bacta members on a campaign footing Joseph Cullis said: “We have an extremely small window to present Bacta’s case for a progressive tax framework that will enable the industry to contribute to the Government’s growth agenda rather than a regressive framework that will inevitably lead to business closures, job losses and the migration of players from the regulated to the unregulated gaming sector.”
He noted: “The impact that a significant uplift in Machine Games Duty would have on members is both frightening and stark. Although representing a direct hit on Britain’s land-based gambling sector, it’s naïve in the extreme to assume the damage would stop there. There’s absolutely no doubt that it would be felt on high streets, in seaside towns, in social clubs, on piers, in family entertainment centres, across bingo premises, and throughout the entire supply chain of manufacturers, suppliers and small businesses that depend on this sector.”
He added: “Alongside the economic modelling and research findings that Bacta will be including in our submission we will also be drawing on the lived experience of members. Charles Holland, whose family has spent over half a century operating at the coast, has gone on the record detailing how MGD is a turnover tax and how an increase would present businesses with three options – either absorbing the costs through reduced profitability, raising the cost of playing non-gaming equipment, or reducing staffing levels.
“The conclusion is that a substantial increase in turnover tax would inevitably reduce the ability of Bacta members to invest, make expansion less attractive, put pressure on jobs and ultimately reduce economic activity at a time when the country is crying out for growth.
“Members can be assured that Bacta will be presenting the strongest possible case for a progressive rather than a punitive fiscal regime.”
Growth under threat
Joseph Cullis said… “A substantial increase in turnover tax would inevitably reduce the ability of Bacta members to invest, make expansion less attractive, put pressure on jobs and ultimately reduce economic activity at a time when the country is crying out for growth…
Originally published on Coinslot on August 10, 2026. Republished with permission.