Parliament makes a decision over bingo tax hike
8th July, 2009
Today the bingo industry awaits the decision of the Government as to whether or not they will overturn their previous (and extremely unpopular) tax hike in the last budget.
Last week, members of the bingo industry in addition to MP’s and the public held a protest over the tax increase outside Westminster, arguing that the 7% increase from 15% to 22% is stifling the bingo industry.
The tax increase has been a large contributor to the amount of bingo halls having to close as they simply can’t afford to stay open. If the tax were to be lowered again, it would definitely relieve some of the financial burden placed upon bingo halls across the country.
The current tax rate seems to be unfairly skewed upon the bingo industry, as other gambling related concerns such as sports betting and casinos pay a significantly lower rate.
Bingo operators keenly await the results of five amendments to the finance bill; the meetings are to take place at 12.30pm today, with the results hopefully known by 6pm this evening.
By Faye
