Genting UK has warned that 13 of its 32 venues could become “unprofitable or unsustainable” if a reported increase in Machine Games Duty goes ahead. That is a conditional warning—not confirmation that 13 casinos will close. The report also says rival Rank Group has warned that up to 16 of its 47 venues could be affected.
What Genting says could happen
Genting UK chief executive Paul Willcock told AOL that 13 of the operator’s 32 venues could be “unprofitable or unsustainable” under a reported proposal to raise Machine Games Duty (MGD). AOL also reported that 900 roles could be at risk and that Genting estimates the change would add £16 million to its duty bill. The report compares that estimate with Genting’s £13.5 million post-tax profit in the prior year. These are company estimates reported by AOL, not independently audited impact figures. AOL’s October 3, 2026 report does not name the venues at risk.
The warning is conditional on the tax proposal taking effect. It does not establish that Genting has decided to close 13 venues, or that any named venue is certain to shut.
Rank has issued a similar warning
AOL reports that Rank Group says up to 16 of its 47 venues and 1,800 jobs could be at risk. Rank estimates an additional £35 million in duty, compared with £28.9 million in post-tax profit in the prior year, and describes the proposals as “economically incoherent.” These figures and the characterization are Rank’s claims as relayed by AOL; the report does not identify specific locations or independently verify the estimates.
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| Operator | Venues potentially affected | Jobs potentially affected | Estimated additional duty | Prior-year post-tax profit cited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genting UK | 13 of 32 | 900 | £16 million | £13.5 million |
| Rank Group | Up to 16 of 47 | 1,800 | £35 million | £28.9 million |
All figures in the table are operator estimates or figures reported by AOL in October 2026; they are not independently corroborated here. The venue and job counts describe potential exposure, not confirmed closures or redundancies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Machine Games Duty is—and what rate is published
MGD is a UK duty on net takings from dutiable machine games. HM Revenue & Customs’ published rates for 2026–27 are 5% for Type 1 machines, 20% for Type 2, and 25% for Type 3. HMRC defines Type 2 as a machine that is not Type 1 and costs no more than £5 to play; Type 3 machines are those that qualify as neither Type 1 nor Type 2. See HMRC’s 2026–27 rates and allowances and its Machine Games Duty guidance.
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The 40% figure in AOL’s report is a reported proposed rate, not the published MGD rate shown in HMRC guidance. The Social Market Foundation has argued for raising MGD on Category B machines, which shows that higher MGD has been proposed in public debate; it does not mean the government has adopted the proposal. Social Market Foundation analysis.
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What is—and is not—known about closures
- Genting’s figure is a warning about possible viability if the reported proposal proceeds, not an announced closure programme.
- Rank has made a comparable warning, also conditional on the tax change.
- The venues at risk have not been named in the report, so it is not possible to determine which locations may be affected.
- The cost estimates, job counts and profit comparisons are attributed to the operators through AOL’s report; they are not independent assessments of what would happen.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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