All 1,287 Betfred shops could disappear from the UK High Street if Chancellor Rachel Reeves hikes taxes on gambling firms, the company's co-founder and chairman has told the BBC.
Fred Done, who set up Betfred in 1967 with his brother, said a closure of that size would put 7,500 jobs at risk.
The billionaire businessman said tax rises were the "biggest threat" to the industry in his 57 years. It echoes similar warnings from other gambling brands.
Increasing taxes on betting firms in the Budget has been suggested to the chancellor. She recently told ITV: "I do think there is a case for gambling firms paying more… they should pay their fair share of taxes and we will make sure that happens."
Reeves has been encouraged by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to increase taxes on the gambling sector and use the revenue from that to reduce child poverty.
