Genting has confirmed it will close its casino in Coventry this year, as the company warns that a proposed increase to MGD could result in a further 12 of its venues closing their doors with the loss of 900 jobs.
The firm, which operates 32 casinos across the UK, warned that increased duty would add £16m to its annual outgoings, already swollen by rising energy prices, wage costs, gaming tax and business rates.
“If the Government wants to keep gambling safe, regulated and free from crime, it must ensure that legitimate operators remain commercially sustainable,” CEO Paul Willcock told NEXT.io.
“Policies that result in licensed casino closures do not eliminate demand; they risk driving customers towards unregulated venues where there are no safeguards, no consumer protections and no contribution to the Exchequer. Genting has paid three quarters of a billion in tax in ten years …but you can’t tax a casino that has closed.”
The closure of Genting Coventry comes after a period of consultation with staff, and could be replicated at approaching half of the company’s estate, potentially impacting thousands of jobs.
“If additional regulated casinos are forced to close, customers do not simply stop gambling,” added Willcock. “Some will migrate to unlicensed operators who offer gambling without any of the protections that Parliament and regulators rightly expect of the licensed sector.”
Originally published on Coinslot on October 12, 2026. Republished with permission.