Machine Gaming Duty and social harm

​This Social Market Foundation panel event will discuss reforms to Machine Gaming Duty in the context of the rapid expansion of Adult Gaming Centres and high-stakes gaming machines on the UK’s high streets.

​In the 2025 budget, the Chancellor introduced the principle of differentiating tax on gambling products associated with the highest levels of harm - increasing Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, and General Betting Duty on remote betting from 15% to 25%. But thus far, no equivalent increase has been applied to Machine Gaming Duty despite its associated harms.

​Building on the impact of our previous research and recommendations, the SMF has carried out new research into the harms caused by addictive, high-risk machines, particularly prevalent within Adult Gaming Centres, and the potential for a reformed Machine Gaming Duty framework with higher taxes to cover associated fiscal costs.

​Speakers:

• ​Theo Bertram, Director, Social Market Foundation

• ​Alex Ballinger MP, Member of Parliament for Halesowen

• ​Henrietta Bowden-Jones, Clinical Advisor on gambling harms

• ​Gideon Salutin, Chief Economist, Social Market Foundation

​Please email [email protected], letting us know if you have any dietary or access requirements. If you have further questions about the event, please do not hesitate to get in touch.