Betfred owners take £30m dividend before warning of shop closures

The billionaire Done family took a £30 million dividend from their Betfred gambling business before warning that they would close hundreds of betting shops, the Guardian reported on October 14. The founder issued the warning to the government over potential tax increases on high-street slot machines. [1]

According to the Guardian, Chancellor John Healey is considering proposals to double machine games duty in the upcoming budget. The thinktank Social Market Foundation stated that doubling the tax could increase state revenues by up to £460 million. [1]

The company operates around 1,350 betting shops across the United Kingdom and runs an online platform for sports betting, casino games, and lottery services. Headquartered in Warrington, England, Betfred is the largest independent bookmaker in the United Kingdom and remains under family ownership, with Fred Done serving as chairman. [3]

The company also maintains an international presence in markets including the United States, Spain, Gibraltar, and South Africa. Betfred provides extensive sports sponsorships, including the title sponsorship of the Rugby League Super League, World Matchplay darts, and all five British Classics horse races. [3]