Doubling gaming machine tax could threaten 3,800 casino jobs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 07:32 · Archive

A report warns that doubling the tax on gaming machines could put nearly 4,000 jobs at risk across Britain's casinos.

The Government is reportedly considering increasing the rate of machine games duty, the tax on fruit machines, roulette machines and other slot machines, which currently stands at 20% on profits.

A report by the Night Time Industries Association, using modelling by consulting company EY, found that raising machine games duty to 40% could put 34 casinos and 3,800 jobs at risk. The research also found £100 million of planned investment and £73 million of tax receipts could be threatened. Some 14,000 people work in the casino sector in Britain, across 108 licensed premises.

The Social Market Foundation think tank previously indicated the Government could increase tax revenues by around £450 million by raising the levy to 40%. The NTIA report cautioned that while the modelling is not a prediction of inevitable outcomes, it demonstrates why the effects of further taxation should be assessed across the whole business model. The report noted that reduced venue profitability can affect capital investment, staffing, suppliers and the ability to develop the hospitality and entertainment offer that recent regulatory changes were designed to encourage.

How it is being reported

• Raising gaming machine tax could put 3,800 casino jobs at risk, report warnsThe Government is reportedly considering an increase in the rate of machine games duty, which typically stands at 20% on profits.Independent Business · 14 Oct, 07:00
• Raising gaming machine tax could put 3,800 casino jobs at risk, report warnsThe Government is reportedly considering an increase in the rate of machine games duty, which typically stands at 20% on profits.Evening Standard · 14 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Night Time Industries Association · Social Market Foundation · EY · Britain

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