# Bingo licences could preserve tax breaks for slot machine arcades

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/high-street-slot-farms-could-evade-budget-tax-rise-through-bingo-hall-loophole/
- Published: 2026-11-01T06:00:03+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-01T06:32:17+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/nov/01/high-street-slot-farms-budget-tax-rise-business-rates-bingo-licence-loophole
- Topics: Business, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Slot machine duty is set to rise from 20% to 25%.
- Bingo licences may let some arcades keep a business rates discount.
- An MP is urging the government to close the loophole.

## Summary

The government plans to raise gambling duty on slot machine takings from 20% to 25% and remove adult gaming centres in England from a business rates discount for leisure and hospitality businesses. But hundreds of high street venues may retain the discount by holding bingo licences, despite appearing to focus mainly on slot machines.

Gambling Commission records indicate more than 200 arcades are licensed as bingo venues, though duplicated data makes the total uncertain. A Guardian visit to five Merkur and Admiral sites found bingo offered on tablets in a small area, while most of the space was given to slot machines; one staff member said the tablets were never used. An MP has urged ministers to close the loophole, and a business rates expert said the outcome will depend on Treasury definitions and council enforcement.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.