Jewel & Gems Mania 2026

What is Jewel & Gems Mania 2026?

In an interview with the Financial Times over the weekend, Done cautioned that additional tax hikes could result in widespread betting shop closures, harm related sectors such as horse racing and accelerate the decline of the high street.

Betfred currently operates approximately 1,094 retail shops across the UK. Done highlighted the concrete risks of Machine Gaming Duty – taxes on gambling machines – doubling from 20% to 40%, a move reportedly under consideration by Chancellor John Healey ahead of the Autumn Budget.

Betfred’s retail business still heavily depends on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) and in-shop gambling. Despite the maximum stake limit being cut to £2 in 2019, FOBTs account for roughly half of Betfred’s shop profits. Done emphasised that without these machines, retail betting wass “impossible”.

What is Jewel & Gems Mania 2026?

Entain said it had requested meetings with government officials to present its concerns directly and facilitate engagement between ministers and frontline shop staff before final budget decisions are made.

Alongside its warning on MGD, Entain revealed it had embarked upon a consultation process that may lead to the reduction of around 400 customer care roles from its 2,000-strong UK team. 

According to David, the step forms part of Entain’s broader initiative to streamline operations, increase efficiency and improve customer experience, with the company aiming to create centres of excellence across locations.

What is Jewel & Gems Mania 2026?

Leeds United vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 5.30pm GMT kick-off)

This clash between two teams who were embroiled in one of the most controversial games in football will be very interesting now that it’s in the Premier League.

If you’ve forgotten, Leeds and Villa played out a sensational match a couple of years ago in the Championship as Leeds scored by illegitimate means then were supposed to be letting Aston Villa score in response until Pontus Janssen didn’t read the memo.