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UK GAMING
“…we all have to recognise that
there will always be a
Government and our industry
always has to influence it…”
Former UK Shadow Gambling Minister Nick Hawkins sorts the wheat
from the chaff in his bi-monthly column…
A
s I write this, Royal Ascot is in full swing recent very thorough report upholding in full the
and a new racecourse, Ffos Las near Remote Gambling Association’s criticisms of US
Llanelli, is opening tonight (looks very policy is very positive indeed. Although nothing is
impressive, with rugby player Jonathan likely to change quickly in terms of US policy, with
Davies celebrating the stand named in the Democrats firmly in control, there seems every
his honour – I hope to see it before too long). chance that at some point, perhaps in 2010 or 2011,
Despite recessions, deflation and the credit crunch, there may be an important step forward. It is hoped
the Sport of Kings continues, and happily for us in that the US authorities will confirm, as the EC
the industry, despite the gloom and damaging stories require, that no further US “enforcement action” will
of the Daily Mail, plenty of people still want a flutter. be sought against European companies’ trading
which was perfectly lawful, and consistent with what
My last column seems to have stirred up some the US Government had signed up to, in its
interest; after several others had already mentioned it, commitments under the World Trade Organisation
a leading industry adviser who I greatly respect and the GATS agreement. There should at some point
happened to meet me by chance at a restaurant in also be repeal of parts of the US Unlawful Internet
Mayfair, not long after it had been published, and was Gaming Enforcement Act, at the instigation of the
kind enough to say he agreed with every word of my splendid Congressman Barney Frank.
Nick Hawkins is a Barrister reflections that the industry spent too much time on
specialising in Gambling and factional infighting and as a result had too little In the machine industry the long-awaited increase
Leisure law. In his 13 years influence in Government in the UK. in Stakes and Prizes for Category C machines to £1 /
in Parliament previously, he £70 finally came into force, and in the same week, the
held roles in Government and This is particularly important as we are less than a Government announcement that they are happy with
Opposition, including year away from the next UK General Election, and the the deal done to avoid the threat of a statutory levy, by
Shadow Solicitor-General recent Euro Election and County Council election voluntary fundraising for Research Education and
and Shadow Sports Minister. results strongly suggest a change of Government is Treatment, and the restructuring of the fundraising
He is now Legal Director for highly likely. My former colleagues will be in power and distribution methods for this, is greatly welcome.
a gaming company. after a 13-year gap. I think it is fair to say that the industry welcomed the
fact that, in the recent reshuffle, the Gambling
Even though the reputation of Parliament and MPs Minister, my old cross-party friend Gerry Sutcliffe MP,
is now at an all-time low – not surprisingly with the stayed put – even though the Secretary of State above
ongoing expenses scandal – we all have to recognise him changed from Andy Burnham to Ben Bradshaw.
that there will always be a Government and our The industry will be relieved that they (and DCMS
industry always has to influence it. It is also essential Civil Servants) don’t have to start briefing two entirely
to recognise the ever-growing influence of European new Ministers from scratch!
government via the Commission. This can be a
distinctly mixed blessing – but if, in the short-term, it Finally, however, there is the dreaded threat of a
is forcing previously protectionist EU states, defending new Gross Profits Tax. The tax authorities may be
their national monopolies or quasi-monopolies, to smarting from their defeat in the Rank VAT case
open their markets to genuine competition (as seems (though there may, of course, be a further appeal).
now to be happening in France) this is welcome and Most of this industry certainly doesn’t want GPT –
must be taken full advantage of. but HMRC and the Treasury are always tough to fight.
At the same time, the European Commission’s This is a very big issue and may run and run!
16 JULY/AUGUST 2009
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