OpinionOn The Money
premium
The chancellor is eyeing a gambling 'jackpot' – but the betting shop bloodbath tells a very different story
Bill BarberIndustry editor
Paddy Power were the latest bookmakers to announce shop closures last week
Chancellor of the exchequer John Healey is eyeing a 'jackpot' from slot machines, according to a headline in Monday's edition of The Times.
Recent events have illustrated that he might be setting himself up for disappointment.
Parliament returned from its summer break last week and, with the budget less than eight weeks away, the speculation about what Healey will announce has gone up several gears.
Published on inOn The Money
Last updated
Copymore inOn The Money
- 'We have the biggest challenges facing the sport ever' - Britain is not alone as global issues mount for racing
- Another tax rise looms - but it won't get rid of the slots, it will just hand the high street to the arcades
- 'A sports bar feel minus the alcohol' - Hills boss foresees the betting shops of the future but has plea for politicians
- They said the quiet part out loud - this isn't about problem gambling, it's about killing gambling altogether
- Racing faces a catastrophic duty rise and a levy freeze - and the government seems to think it should be grateful
more inOn The Money
- 'We have the biggest challenges facing the sport ever' - Britain is not alone as global issues mount for racing
- Another tax rise looms - but it won't get rid of the slots, it will just hand the high street to the arcades
- 'A sports bar feel minus the alcohol' - Hills boss foresees the betting shops of the future but has plea for politicians
- They said the quiet part out loud - this isn't about problem gambling, it's about killing gambling altogether
- Racing faces a catastrophic duty rise and a levy freeze - and the government seems to think it should be grateful