The Bingo Association has described its latest parliamentary reception on bingo as a success as it attempts to tackle the tax system levied on bingo.
Bingo presently pays a 20 per cent gross profit tax rate, while other forms of gambling pay a rate of 15 per cent. Since the 2010 general election, the Bingo Association has campaigned for this “inequitable” tax system to be altered.
An average of one bingo club closes each month and more than 150 clubs remain in a vulnerable position, the association said. The additional burden of Machines Gaming Duty – said to amount to £9m in tax – makes the need to reduce bingo GPT, it added.
On April 24, the association and the All Party Parliamentary Bingo Group held its annual reception, providing an opportunity to highlight the issues facing the bingo sector. The event was attended by 19 MPs and 48 members of the Bingo Association. Minister for Sport and Gambling Hugh Robertson (pictured) gave a keynote address highlighting the role played by bingo within communities in the UK.
“We are delighted to have held another successful parliamentary reception on bingo,” said Miles Baron, chief executive of the Bingo Association. “The number of MPs who have attended has grown year on year and highlights the growing support we are gaining from within Westminster to tackle our tax rate.
“I would like to thank all my members who were able to attend and show their support and I have no doubts this year’s event will aid our continued lobbying efforts against the inequitable tax system levied on bingo.”
