British pub company Wetherspoons is seeing its slot revenue grow faster than food and drink as revealed in the latest half-year financial report.
Despite operating profit falling by 4%, one of the United Kingdom’s most recognisable pub chains has enjoyed a steady rise in gambling revenue.
Wetherspoons currently run 875 pubs and 58 hotels, building its success on mass market appeal with cheap food and drinks attracting customers from all walks of life – something owner Tim Martin has prided himself on.
Martin has publicly discussed his past gambling experiences, including a significant loss of £100 million. He has also mentioned regrets about past ventures, including potential investments in France and Las Vegas.
The 70-year-old donated £50,000 to the Conservatives in 2019, the party which recently made headlines after former MP Craig Williams was charged with betting offences linked to the 2024 general election.
Wetherspoons Slot Machines Generated £35.5 Million In First Half Of 2025
Through the first half of FY25, Wetherspoons pubs generated an incredible £35.5 million from slot machines.
The company’s slot machines earnings have risen by 12.4% year-on-year, considerably more than food (5.4%) and drink (4.3%).
During the first six months of 2025, Wetherspoons’ slot revenue has increased by 60% and while that £35.5 million figure is slim compared to the £589 million spent on drinks alone – it remains a huge part of the business model.
Slot Machines Continue To Act As A Staple Of British Pubs
The older generation simply don’t see the appeal in using UK online casinos compared to a real slot machine and at least for the foreseeable future there is no suggestion the revenue stream will die down.
The experience of using a slot machine in-person is what makes it so popular – the thrill and simplicity attracts casual gamblers who want to try and pay for another round of drinks.
Using your phone might be more convenient – and arguably more lucrative due to the free spins casino bonuses on offer – but the cultural weight that slot machines hold is something the mobile scene can’t compete with.
The sensory overload of the sound of the reels, flashing lights and most importantly the physical interaction of tapping buttons creates warm nostalgia and entertainment for pub-goers.
What Are The Rules On Slot Machines In British Pubs?
Pubs can provide gaming machines if they have a bar at which alcohol is served, as long as any sale of alcohol is not limited to consumption only with food – such as a restaurant condition.
These machines can be used at any time when alcohol may be sold to customers. Gambling in pubs dates back to as early as the 1400s and the maximum payout on one machine is usually £100 with the top stake £1.
Joe Lyons is a betting industry writer for GamblingIndustryNews with years of experience on reputable gambling websites. Joe specialises in long form content in the world of sports betting and gambling. Joe is recognised as an expert in sports fields such as horse racing, soccer, NFL and NBA.
