Gambling.co.uk: Gambling News Archive

Give Us 3%: Casino Operators’ Challenge to UK Government

Online operators call for UK tax rethink

Thursday 1st July 2004



Online casino and sportsbook operators have called on the UK government to propose a fairer tax levy if it is serious about attracting their businesses to its shores, post Gambling Bill. The subject came under discussion at Osney Media’s Virtual Gaming Forum III, which was held at London’s Millinium Hotel Mayfair from Monday to Wednesday this week.

Operators were responding to concerns that the final tax rate, which is currently being debated in parliament, could be high as 15% - a figure that would offer little incentive to relocate to Britain. Asked by Michael Caselli, chairing the debate, what tax rate would the UK need to levy to attract online casino operators, the assembled group concurred that 3% would be fair as this was comparable and competitive to what they would get offshore.

The conference facilitated ‘discussion pods’ or round table debates allowing operators, legal experts and regulators, amongst others, to air their views on key issues facing the industry today.




Source: OnlineCasinoNews