Entain expects higher UK gambling taxes to increase its annual costs. The Entain gambling tax impact mainly affects its retail betting shops. The company plans to offset these costs by 2028.

• Additional tax costs: Entain expects GBP 25 million (ca. EUR 29 million) in additional annual costs from higher Machine Gaming Duty. The estimate covers its UK retail business, including Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops. It excludes planned cost reductions.
• Tax increase: The UK will raise Machine Gaming Duty from 20% to 25% on 1 April 2027 for affected gaming machines. The Entain gambling tax increase follows other gambling tax changes announced in November 2025. The new rate applies to gaming machine revenue in betting shops.
• Cost reductions: Entain plans to offset the additional costs through operational savings and changes to its betting-shop network. Some shops could close as part of these measures. The company expects to fully offset the impact by the end of 2028.
• Outlook: Entain kept its FY2026 guidance unchanged and expects GBP 500 million (ca. EUR 580 million) in annual adjusted cash flow in 2028. CEO Stella David said the company wants to “protect jobs wherever possible.” Entain also warned that higher taxes could push customers towards unlicensed operators.

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