Rank calls for reform in UK gaming tax

UK-based online gambling firm Rank Group Plc has called on the UK Government to consider a single rate of gaming tax rather than a piecemeal approach that it believes stifles growth, inhibits job creation and puts vulnerable consumers at risk.

A paper published by the company today (Monday) urges the HM Treasury review committee on both terrestrial and online gambling taxes to level the playing field rather than add to an already confusing tax system.

Points outlined in the paper include:

·     Fairness – by removing arbitrary distinctions in the taxation of the same gaming products and thus guarding against market distortion;

·     Responsibility – by encouraging the development of highly supervised licensed gaming venues, where adults can enjoy themselves safely; and

·     Sustainability – by encouraging all operators to make a fair contribution to the UK economy through stable tax yields for the Exchequer and by stimulating job creation in the UK, through increased investment.

Rank addresses Conservative and Liberal parties pre-election promises to bring in line the disparity of bingo taxation in licenced clubs with other forms of gambling , including online bingo and points out that casino games are subject to no fewer than seven different tax systems with duty rates ranging from 0 percent for online going up to 50 percent on licenced venues.

Ian Burke, chief executive and chairman of Rank, said: “I believe that the Government has the opportunity to create jobs in the UK without sacrificing tax receipts by replacing the current patchwork quilt with a single tax, at a single rate”.

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