Genting Casinos UK CEO Highlights Risks from Proposed Machine Games Duty Increase

Paul Willcock, chief executive of Genting Casinos UK, issued a direct warning in a City AM opinion piece about the effects of a proposed rise in Machine Games Duty. The change under review for the Autumn Budget would lift the rate from 20% to 40%, adding roughly £16 million each year to the company's operating costs. This adjustment threatens the viability of 13 out of 32 UK casinos, while placing more than 850 positions plus around 50 support roles in jeopardy. The duty applies specifically to gaming machines, and operators track its impact closely because slots represent a major revenue stream for land-based venues. Willcock noted that the higher rate would push multiple sites into unprofitable territory, leading to closures rather than extra government receipts. His statement captured the core issue with the phrase “You can’t tax a casino if it’s closed,” which underscores how reduced operations shrink the overall tax base instead of expanding it.

Details of the Proposed Change and Company Response

Industry observers have tracked similar warnings from other operators as discussions continue around land-based gambling taxation. The current 20% rate has remained stable for several years, yet proposals to double it arrive amid efforts to balance fiscal needs with sector sustainability. Genting Casinos UK operates a network of venues that employ staff across gaming floors, hospitality, and management functions, so any widespread site shutdowns would ripple through local economies where those casinos sit.

Economic modelling of potential MGD increases (September 2026) shows how rate adjustments interact with existing cost structures, including rent, utilities, and regulatory compliance. Willcock's analysis focused on the direct arithmetic: an extra £16 million in annual payments would exceed profit margins at the affected properties, rendering them unsustainable without major operational cuts. Those cuts, according to the warning, would likely include permanent closures rather than temporary measures.

Employment and Operational Impacts

More than 850 jobs stand at risk alongside the 50 support positions if the 13 venues close. Staff in these locations handle customer service, security, machine maintenance, and food and beverage operations, roles that support both the gambling and ancillary services. Observers note that replacement employment in similar skill categories often proves difficult in the regions where these casinos operate, particularly in areas with limited alternative hospitality or entertainment employers.

The 32-site portfolio spans major cities and regional locations, with the threatened venues concentrated among smaller or mid-sized properties that generate lower slot revenues relative to their fixed costs. Data from company filings indicates these sites already operate closer to break-even points, leaving little buffer for tax increases of this magnitude. Willcock presented the figures without speculation, stating that the arithmetic leads directly to reduced viability once the duty reaches 40%.

Broader Context Within Industry Discussions

Similar statements from other land-based operators have appeared in recent months as the Autumn Budget process advances. These comments form part of wider conversations about how taxation levels affect physical gambling venues compared with online platforms, which face different duty structures. Genting's position highlights the mechanics of Machine Games Duty specifically, because it targets the machines rather than table games or general profits.

Reports from gaming-awards.com and g3newswire.com detail the same cost projections and job figures, confirming the scale of exposure across the Genting portfolio. The opinion piece itself serves as the primary source for the CEO's direct arguments about tax base shrinkage.

Conclusion

The warning from Genting Casinos UK sets out clear numerical consequences tied to the proposed duty change, including the annual cost increase, the number of at-risk sites, and the associated employment figures. As budget deliberations continue, the sector awaits final decisions on whether the rate adjustment moves forward and at what level. The outcome will determine how many of the identified venues remain operational and how employment levels adjust accordingly.