Insight UK RESPONSIBLE GAMING
decision to reduce duty by 10 per cent means bingo clubs will get an even bigger boost than we had hoped for. I would like to say an enormous thank you to the 330,000 people who backed the Boost Bingo campaign by signing our petition, to the dozens of MPs who visited their local clubs and asked questions in the House, to PLMR who supported us with our campaign, and of course to the Chancellor for recognising the importance of bingo clubs in nearly 400 communities across Britain. Bingo operators identified a programme of investment that would be freed up by a five per cent tax reduction. Now that we have secured a 10 per cent reduction, operators will be re-looking at their investment and modernisation plans, to stimulate the industry. Bingo fans across the country will be celebrating today.”
The act of giving with one hand whilst taking with the other has been questioned by some analysts who claim it has led to an uneven landscape when it comes to gambling tax. Mr. Horn said: “Overall, while there has been much talk of simplifying taxes, the position has become increasingly complex with rates for seemingly similar gambling experiences being taxed at different rates. As an example, once the changes have gone through, duty on roulette will be charged at 15 per cent if played online, 25 per cent if played on a FOBT and between 15 per cent and 50 per cent if played in a casino depending on the gaming turnover of the casino. All land-based gambling businesses also pay a significant amount of VAT, which they cannot recover.”
The Rank Group announced plans to open three new bingo clubs after the government halved duty on the game to 10 per cent.
Ian Burke, Chief Executive of Rank, said: “By bringing bingo duty into line with other forms of gaming entertainment, the government has created a basis for renewed investment and innovation.”
The British Bingo Association said the new tax would give bingo clubs across England, Scotland and Wales an extra boost meaning they could now fulfil their commitment to invest in new premises, modernisation and jobs.
The Boost Bingo campaign, run by The Bingo Association, gathered more than 330,000 petition signatures from bingo players across Britain. More than 50 MPs supported the campaign, either in their constituencies by visiting their local bingo club, or on the floor of the House of Commons. ”
Miles Baron, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, said: “This is the most fantastic news; everyone is absolutely delighted. The
Even those campaigning against the proliferation of FOBTs seemed unhappy with the tax increase with claims that the treasury is using the tax system for a share in the profits with none of the revenue generated by the tax will be used to help problem gamblers.
Adrian Parkinson, Consultant for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, said: “A 25 per cent tax rate on FOBTs may well wipe £78m off the bookmakers’ profits – but does little to protect those affected by problem gambling. It will be suggested that this move will slow down the proliferation of betting shops on high streets, but the addictive nature of FOBTs means the bookmakers will still be raking in huge sums. The Government should be looking at dealing with the root of the problem – the high stakes and high intensity play of FOBTs, rather than tax the losses of those addicted to them.”
PRO-ACTIVE RESPONSE The UK gambling industry launched a new code
of conduct on March 1 as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle problem gambling. Described by harm minimisation experts as ‘world-leading’ measures, the Code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection introduced enforced breaks
for customers on gambling machines, automatic alerts about the money and time spent, and improved training for betting shop staff.
The Code has been designed by the Association of British Bookmakers with the full support of the gambling industry.
Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University’s International Gaming Research Unit, explains: “The player protection and harm minimisation measures go further than anything else emanating from the UK gambling sector in the past. Some of the measures are innovative and potentially world- leading and I am delighted that the ABB has taken such a proactive stance in their efforts to promote responsible gambling and minimise problem gambling.”
It is the first time anywhere in the world that customers will able to set their own limits on the amount of time and money they spend on gambling machines. Staff are alerted when the limit is reached, and the machine alerts the customer and forces a 30-second break in play. Machines also give mandatory alerts when a customer has spent £250 or played for 30 minutes.
Dirk Hansen, CEO of GamCare, commented: “I welcome the ABB’s move towards offering greater protections for players, encouraging responsible play, and for raising awareness amongst betting shop customers about the help that is available for problem gambling. These new measures will not only educate players to the risks associated with gambling, but also empower individuals to get support when they need it”
In addition, betting shop staff will be given additional training to help identify problem gamblers, and to offer advice and support. The training will be refreshed on a regular basis.
Messages promoting the risks of problem gambling will also be given greater prominence. Both betting shops and individual machines will carry more conspicuous warning. The technological measures are being installed on 33,000 gambling machines across England and Wales. Due to testing and installation requirements, they will take up to six months to introduce. Bookmakers are working with gaming operators to ensure the time frames are as short as possible. The Code will evolve as new research and new technological solutions are developed.
Dirk Vennix, Chief Executive of the Association
of British Bookmakers, said: “The Code will help give players more control and encourage responsible gambling. It forms part of the industry’s ongoing, proactive efforts to be socially
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