BGC Slams New Gambling Tax Proposal

The Betting and Gaming Council has issued a response to the Government’s latest consultation on gambling tax reform, warning that the proposed measures could have serious financial implications.

The consultation, titled “The Tax Treatment of Remote Gambling,” suggests replacing the existing General Betting Duty, Pool Betting Duty, and Remote Gaming Duty with a single levy known as the Remote Betting and Gaming Duty.

At present, different forms of online gambling are subject to varying tax rates. The Government's proposal seeks to simplify the structure, lessen the administrative burden on businesses and HMRC, and better align the system with the evolution of gambling technology.

However, there are concerns that the proposed changes could lead to higher costs for consumers, potentially driving them towards unregulated operators who neither pay UK tax nor offer the same levels of protection for safer gambling.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, commented:

"Raising taxes further now on regulated betting and gaming through a new single tax would be utterly self-defeating for the Government."

She continued:

"Any potential further increase in taxes on our members, so soon after a White Paper which cost the sector over a billion pounds in lost revenue, will not raise more money for the Treasury."

"If General Betting Duty is raised to the same level as Remote Gaming Duty under one new tax, it would be catastrophic for Racing’s fragile finances."