Over fifty MPs have backed campaigners calling for the UK government to lower the rate of bingo tax and bring it in line with other forms of gamblers.The Bingo Association say that the sector will ‘stagnate’ if moves aren’t made to bring the current 20 percent rate in-line with the wider 15 percent on the rest of the gambling sector.
Campaigners estimate that reducing bingo duty is expected to raise around £40m for the Exchequer over four years.
Miles Baron, from the Bingo Association, says investment is vital for growth.
“By building new clubs and investing in new clubs, attendances would improve that would generate more income, that would generate new taxes, that would employ more people … this is at the heart of the community, this is a vital and important part of some people’s social repertoire.”
Jim Cunningham, Labour MP for Coventry South, says if more support is not given then the “social service” side of bingo will be lost.
“The implications can be that some of these places may have to close because they’re not profitable and if that happens then there is a problem for some of these elderly people, during the day in particular, to find somewhere else to go.”
source : www.totallygaimg.com
