Entain has begun consulting on plans to remove approximately 400 customer care positions, representing 20% of its 2,000-strong customer care workforce worldwide.
The proposed reductions affect Entain’s global customer care operation, although the tax pressures cited by the Ladbrokes and Coral owner relate to its business in the UK. Entain has not disclosed where the affected positions are located or provided a timetable for completing the consultation.
Stella David, Entain chief executive, said: “This decision has not been made lightly, and our immediate priority is to support those of our colleagues who may be impacted through this transition.”
The UK government increased Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% and raised General Betting Duty on online sports betting from 15% to 25% last year.
British operators are also awaiting the government’s Budget on 28 October amid reports of a further increase to Machine Games Duty, which applies to gaming machines in betting shops, adult gaming centres and other land-based venues.
David wrote to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on 11 September warning about the consequences of doubling the standard Machine Games Duty rate from 20% to 40%.
“A further doubling of Machine Games Duty would therefore add another significant cost to businesses already struggling to absorb major tax increases, stacking the odds against labour-intensive high-street operators,” she said.
Entain estimated that the proposed increase would add approximately £100m (US$134m) to the annual cost of its UK retail operations. It warned that the change could contribute to the closure of 1,470 betting shops and the loss of 15,900 jobs across Britain.
The proposed customer care reductions follow Entain reporting underlying operating profit of £479m (US$640m) for the first half of 2026. The result was 2% lower year-on-year but exceeded market expectations.
Entain employs more than 28,000 people globally. Its shares have fallen approximately 36% during 2026, with the company due to move from London’s FTSE 100 index to the FTSE 250 on 21 September.
Tags: UK Gambling Tax, MGD, UK Government, Entain, Ladbrokes, Coral
