Betfred Brothers Top UK Taxpayer Rankings Following £400m Contribution

The latest 2026 Sunday Times Tax List has revealed that the billionaire founders of UK bookmaker Fred Done and Peter Done — the brothers behind Betfred — have emerged as the country’s largest individual taxpayers, contributing an estimated £400.1 million to public finances over the past year.

The ranking marks the first time the Dones have topped the annual list, which identifies the UK’s top 100 taxpayers based on a range of levies including income tax, dividend tax, corporation tax, and duties such as gambling duty.

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A Record Year for UK Tax Contributions

The combined contributions of the top 100 taxpayers amounted to £5.758 billion, up from £4.985 billion the previous year, reflecting broader trends in corporate profitability and changes in tax rates.

Alongside the Done brothers, the rankings list a cross-section of business leaders, entertainers, and sporting figures. Prominent contributors include author JK Rowling and singer Harry Styles, who appeared for the first time on the list, while Premier League stars such as Erling Haaland and Mo Salah also feature among the highest-paying individuals.

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Behind the Numbers

The substantial tax contribution from the Betfred founders is largely attributable to dividend distributions and corporate levies arising from the ongoing success of their privately held gambling enterprise, which operates thousands of retail betting shops and a significant online presence across the UK.

Industry analysts note that the updated tax band thresholds and a broader rise in corporation tax rates have been key drivers in the increased total tax contributions documented in this year’s list.

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Diverse Contributors Across Sectors

The list reflects the diversity of sectors that contribute to the UK tax base, spanning finance, retail, entertainment, and professional sport. At second and third place were figures from financial trading and hedge fund management, each with sizable contributions, while high-earning creatives and athletes also placed prominently due to substantial earnings and related tax obligations.

The inclusion of individuals whose primary residence is now outside the UK underscores ongoing dynamics in global wealth mobility, though tax liabilities associated with UK-based income and business interests remain significant.

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Strategic Significance

For the UK business landscape, the 2026 Tax List offers a detailed snapshot of how the wealthiest contributors underwrite public finances through a mix of direct and indirect taxation. The prominence of high-profit sectors, such as gambling and finance, alongside entertainment and sport, illustrates the multifaceted nature of the country’s high-end economic activity.

The report is published at a time of heightened scrutiny over tax policy and mobility of high-value individuals, adding a comprehensive data point to ongoing discussions on the role of taxation in economic growth and fiscal sustainability.

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