Labour is facing a mounting backlash over its attack on gambling as industry chiefs warn of site closures and job losses.
Stella David, the boss of Ladbrokes and Coral owner Entain, said a ‘significant and disappointing’ rise in remote gaming duty from 21 per cent to 40 per cent in April by Rachel Reeves would have a ‘massive impact’.
The company behind Mecca bingo halls and Grosvenor Casinos said further tax hikes on the industry under Andy Burnham’s regime would force venues out of business.
Under Reeves’ plans, the levy on online sports betting will go up from 15 per cent to 25 per cent in April.
And although she has been sacked, Burnham has raised the prospect of a fresh onslaught after he announced a clampdown on rules linked to opening betting shops.
