Plans by the UK Government to review regulations on overseas-based gambling operators were criticised recently by William Hill chief executive Ralph Topping. Topping said that the review was failing to consider the main issue - that of taxation on remote gaming firms.
Overseas operators who advertise in the UK may face new restrictions and levies under regulations being considered by ministers. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, working with the Gambling Commission, announced recently that it would hold a review of the overseas gambling system, including payments, aimed at creating a more level playing field to compete with overseas rivals.
Although the government has kept details of the review vague, it has said that it will look into issues including securing fair contributions from overseas licensed operators towards the costs of regulation, the treatment of problem gambling and the Horserace Betting Levy.
Early speculation has included that the review, which is expected to last at least six months, could mean overseas-based gambling operators having to pay millions of pounds in levies to support horse racing and research into gambling addiction. The department will consult a range of experts, including the remote gambling industry, and will report findings to Parliament before the end of 2009.
