New polling has found more than half of residents in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Makerfield constituency believe high street gaming venues contribute to local community life.
The Opinium research found 54 percent of residents held this view, including 51 percent of Labour voters and 59 percent of Reform voters.
More than one in four adults surveyed, 26 percent, had placed a sports or racing bet during the previous 12 months. Among those bettors, 54 percent had visited a physical bookmaker, compared with 66 percent who had bet online.
The findings come amid industry concerns over potential increases to Machine Games Duty. EY modelling cited by the Betting and Gaming Council suggests a 40 percent MGD rate could put up to 1,470 betting shops and 34 casinos at risk, alongside almost 16,000 jobs.
“Makerfield tells a very human story about what betting shops mean to communities across Britain,” commented BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst, adding that shops provide employment, attract customers to high streets and contribute to local communities.
The BGC has linked the findings to Burnham’s previously stated “Makerfield test” for government policy, arguing that ministers should consider the potential impact of further tax increases on employment and high-street businesses.
Originally published on Coinslot on October 12, 2026. Republished with permission.