On 25th April 2012, MPs and members of the Bingo Association joined together at a Parliamentary reception to discuss the reasons why bingo taxation should be lowered.
Seventeen MPs attended the reception, including Gambling Minister John Penrose and Shadow Gambling Minister Clive Efford, as well as several members of the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport which is due to publish the findings of its inquiry on gambling shortly. The attending members of the Bingo Association represented bingo clubs of varying size from up and down the country.
The event was a huge success, and demonstrated the ever growing support towards the bingo industry which continues to develop among Parliamentarians.
The Chancellor announced important changes to gambling taxation as part of Budget 2012, these included:
Machine Games Duty (MGD) rates
As previously announced, MGD will be legislated for in Finance Bill 2012 and introduced on 1 February 2013. The Chancellor has today announced that the standard rate of MGD will be 20 per cent, and the lower rate will be 5 per cent of net takings. The lower rate will apply to machines with maximum stakes of 10 pence and maximum cash prizes of £8.
The introduction of MGD will be revenue neutral for the exchequer. The policy costings document published alongside the Budget outlines how this has been calculated.
Remote gambling taxation
Following the Treasury’s review of the taxation of remote gambling in autumn 2011, the Government has today announced that it will move to taxing remote gambling on a place of consumption basis. A consultation on design characteristics of the new regime will follow in due course.
It is proposed that the current 15% rate that applies to remote gambling will be maintained, and that the reform will be implemented on 1 December 2014. However, both the rates and the exact implementation date will be kept under review. The legislation will be passed in a future Finance Bill.
As announced in December 2011, the Government will also introduce double taxation relief for general betting duty, remote gaming duty and pool betting duty for accounting periods ending on or after 1 April 2012. The legislation will be passed in Finance Bill 2012.
Gaming duty bands and Amusement Machine Licence Duty (AMLD) rates
Gaming duty bands and AMLD rates will be revalorised in line with inflation. Gaming duty bands will increase in line with RPI for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2012. All AMLD rates will increase in line with RPI from 4pm on 23 March 2012. The New Rates will be as follows:
Category A currently £6,110, NEW rate £6,295
Category B1 currently £3,055, NEW rate £3,150
Category B2 currently £2,405, NEW rate £2,480
Category B3 currently £2,405, NEW rate £2,480
Category B4 currently £2,185, NEW rate £2,250
Category C currently £ 905, NEW rate £ 935
Key links
The key Budget documents can be accessed at the following links:
The main Budget document: http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget2012_complete.pdf
An Overview of Tax Legislation and Rates: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/index.htm
Policy costings document (for MGD and remote gambling): http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget2012_policy_costings.pdf
The 2012 Finance Bill will be published on 29 March.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced plans to regulate offshore gambling websites. All gambling operators selling into the British market, whether from here or abroad, will soon be required to hold a Gambling Commission licence to enable them to transact with British consumers and to advertise in Great Britain.
The cost of the licence (yet to be determined) will be an extra source of revenue to the Exchequer from the gambling industry. At present, bingo pays 20% tax, online bingo 15% and an offshore bingo website 0%. If the offshore sites now have to pay a license fee, we hope that will enable excessive taxation on bingo to be reduced.
As well as bringing in revenue to the UK, the proposals are also to ensure that British consumers will enjoy consistent standards of protection, no matter which online gambling site they visit. For example, overseas operators will be required to inform the UK regulator about suspicious betting patterns to help fight illegal activity and corruption in sports betting. We welcome these changes.
A vote in Parliament last night means that bingo clubs can now offer customers a £2 stake on B3 gaming machines, removing the £1 limit that was introduced by the 2005 Gambling Act. In addition, the maximum number of B3 machines allowed per club has been amended, so that it is now 20% of the total number of machines rather than a cap of eight.
The measures are good news for customers and for clubs alike. However, they do not offset concerns about the continuing high levels of bingo tax, as well as new worries over the new Machines Gaming Duty that will soon be introduced.
A Motion has been tabled in Parliament supporting bingo, and MPs are currently signing up to it to show their support. The text of the Motion and the MPs signed up to it are below.
That this House recognises the important social and community role that bingo plays across the United Kingdom; believes the current 20 per cent. gross profit tax on bingo should be lowered to 15 per cent. to bring it in line with taxation on other forms of gambling; and supports a new report by the Bingo Association and Ernst and Young that demonstrates that such a reduction in taxation would have significant benefits for the Exchequer and would raise an additional 65 million in the period from 2011 to 2014.
Aldous, Peter Conservative Party Waveney 29.06.2011
Betts, Clive Labour Party Sheffield South East 14.06.2011
Binley, Brian Conservative Party Northampton South 14.06.2011
Brady, Graham Conservative Party Altrincham and Sale West 14.06.2011
Burt, Lorely Liberal Democrats Solihull 15.06.2011
Campbell, Ronnie Labour Party Blyth Valley 15.06.2011
Cooper, Rosie Labour Party West Lancashire 16.06.2011
Crausby, David Labour Party Bolton North East 21.06.2011
Davies, Philip Conservative Party Shipley 14.06.2011
Dobbin, Jim Labour Party Heywood and Middleton 15.06.2011
Doran, Frank Labour Party Aberdeen North 28.06.2011
Durkan, Mark Social Democratic and Labour Party Foyle 15.06.2011
Foster, Don Liberal Democrats Bath 14.06.2011
Glindon, Mary Labour Party North Tyneside 20.06.2011
Godsiff, Roger Labour Party Birmingham Hall Green 22.06.2011
Halfon, Robert Conservative Party Harlow 14.06.2011
Hancock, Mike Liberal Democrats Portsmouth South 16.06.2011
Hemming, John Liberal Democrats Birmingham Yardley 14.06.2011
Henderson, Gordon Conservative Party Sittingbourne and Sheppey 30.06.2011
Hopkins, Kelvin Labour Party Luton North 16.06.2011
Kirby, Simon Conservative Party Brighton Kemptown 27.06.2011
Leech, John Liberal Democrats Manchester Withington 16.06.2011
Morris, Grahame M Labour Party Easington 21.06.2011
Osborne, Sandra Labour Party Ayr Carrick and Cumnock 22.06.2011
Owen, Albert Labour Party Ynys Môn 21.06.2011
Pugh, John Liberal Democrats Southport 30.06.2011
Rotheram, Steve Labour Party Liverpool Walton 17.06.2011
Roy, Lindsay Labour Party Glenrothes 20.06.2011
Russell, Bob Liberal Democrats Colchester 30.06.2011
Sanders, Adrian Liberal Democrats Torbay 15.06.2011
Stuart, Graham Conservative Party Beverley and Holderness 14.06.2011
Weir, Mike Scottish National Party Angus 16.06.2011
The First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond joined local candidate Anne McLaughlin on the by-election campaign trail in Inverclyde.
See a video of his visit, here.
It was a full house at Opera Bingo in Denton Holme on Tuesday 10th May when the stars of Radio 1 packed out the bingo hall for a game.
DJs Chris Moyles, Greg James and the breakfast show team shocked regulars when they popped into the Rex on Denton Street for a round and some dinner.
The visit was kept top secret until the last minute because of security. Staff weren’t even told that the stars were stopping by until an hour before they visited.
Charlotte Kennedy, marketing manager of Opera Bingo, seized an opportunity to host the Radio 1 stars with a chance email to the station. She was thrilled when they took her up on the offer.
Charlotte told the News and Star: “I knew Chris and Greg were broadcasting from Cumbria this week so I sent invited them to come along. The whole gang, 16 of them, turned up and they really enjoyed themselves.
“I think it was a bit of a shock for the staff and the customers but everyone had a great night.”
Throughout the breakfast show yesterday morning the team talked about their night at the bingo and the food they ate. They even developed a game inspired by the experience.
Charlotte added: “Chris and Greg talked about their night at the bingo on air which is fantastic.
“We were able to give them a home cooked dinner too. “There was steak pie, scampi and chips and Cumberland sausage.”
She added: “They played traditional bingo with the books and Dave and Aled also had a go at the electronic bingo.
“Unfortunately none of them won a game. But despite this, it appears to have turned them into bingo fans.”
Original source: News&Star
It was eyes down this week as Rutherglen MP Tom Greatrex paid a visit to Mecca Bingo to meet staff and bingo players.
Tom Greatrex MP said:
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Mecca Bingo in Rutherglen this week. Sadly I didn’t manage to get involved in a game whilst I was there – although I am not sure I would have been able to keep up, and have a new appreciation for those who are able to keep a close eye on several books at the one time.
As well being able to meet with local people, and pick up a few tips from experienced bingo players, the visit also gave me the chance to discuss the level of taxation imposed on bingo.
Bingo has a very important social function in communities throughout my constituency, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds for a fun few hours. It is concerning, then, that bingo should be subject to higher levels of taxation than other forms of gambling. I have written to the Tory Treasury Minister, Justine Greening MP, about this, calling for tax on bingo to be reduced.
I am grateful to the staff at the Rutherglen Mecca for taking the time to meet with me, in particular the manager Julia Griffin.”
Richard Graham MP for Gloucester joined bingo players at his local Mecca club to help celebrate the Royal Wedding in April. After a tour of the club and meeting some of the players, Richard call a charity game and posed for photographs.
Alan Johnson, the former Home Secretary and current Shadow Chancellor visited his Mecca Bingo at Hull Cecil within his constituency, Kingston Upon Hull West and Hessle, on Friday 12th November to call some numbers and find out how the industry is being damaged by excessive and unfair taxation.
It is widely recognised that bingo clubs play an important role within their communities, bringing people together and aiding social inclusion. Despite this, bingo clubs remain subject to a higher rate of taxation (20% Gross Profit Tax) than other forms of gambling, including online bingo (15%) and high street bookmakers (15%).
Steve Jones from Mecca Hull Cecil said he was delighted that Alan had visited his local club. Steve said: “We appreciate Alan taking time out of hjs busy schedule to visit the club and talk to the team members about the social importance of bingo and its place in the local community. We hope that he will be able to use his role as Shadow Chancellor to press for a reduction in the unfair taxation of bingo.”
Alan said: “This is my first visit to the club and it was good to see first-hand just how important bingo is to customers from a social interaction perspective.”
Alan continued: “Mecca Bingo plays a key role in local communities so it’s important that they are subject to a fair tax regime.”
The Bingo Association is delighted to announce the formation of a new All Party Parliamentary Group on Bingo. The Group, which will represent the interests of the bingo industry in Parliament, held its first Annual General Meeting on 26th October 2010 and will now embark on a programme of activity to ensure that parliamentarians are kept abreast of the industry’s developments and issues.
The Group will be chaired by the Conservative MP Brian Binley (Northampton South), who is also Chairman of the All Party Group on Small Business and a member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee. Brian Binley said:
“I am delighted to have been elected as chair of the APPG on Bingo. I have consistently called for a fairer taxation system for bingo halls in light of the social importance and that issue is a top priority for the group.”
“You cannot underestimate the importance of Bingo halls in the United Kingdom and I have been saddened by the closure of so many clubs over the last five years.”
New Labour MP Luciana Berger, elected as Secretary of the Group, said:
“Bingo was a big issue on the doorstep ahead of this year’s election, which is why I pledged that if I was elected I would help the bingo industry reduce its tax burden. I am proud to have supported the bingo industry in the past but am now grateful that this new All Party Group has been formed to help drive the campaign forwards.”
Other officers of the Group include Conservatives Edward Timpson and Rob Halfon as Vice Chairs and Liberal Democrat John Hemming as Treasurer.
The Group’s secretariat will be provided by the Bingo Association, supported by Luther Pendragon. Paul Talboys, Chief Executive of the Bingo Association, suggested the Group would be meeting several times each year, including trips to bingo clubs and a reception in Parliament, and would also be asking ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as well as the Treasury to address it.
Margaret Hodge, the Labour MP for Barking and Dagenham, visited Mecca Bingo in Dagenham on Friday 12th November to see at first hand the look and feel of the newly relaunched club.
Following a £1.5m refurbishment, the new-look club features different zones to fit different moods, including a Social Lounge and new late-night entertainment. Those who like a more traditional bingo experience can still play paper-based bingo in either the main auditorium or the new Social Lounge. But for those who are looking for a more modern experience, there is the option to play on the Electronic Bingo Terminals called E-Bingo which can be played anywhere in the club.
Ms Hodge, who called the bingo during her visit, also spoke to Sue Thornton, Mecca Dagenham’s General Manager about how the industry is being damaged by excessive and unfair taxation
It is widely recognised that bingo clubs play an important role within their communities, bringing people together and aiding social inclusion. Despite this, bingo clubs remain subject to a higher rate of taxation (20% Gross Profit Tax) than other forms of gambling, including online bingo (15%) and high street bookmakers (15%).
Sue Thornton from Mecca Dagenham said she was delighted that Margaret had visited her local club. Sue said: “We appreciate Margaret taking time out of her busy schedule to visit the new-look club and talk to the team members about the social importance of bingo and its place in the local community.”
Margaret said: “This is my first visit to the club following the relaunch and I am very impressed with the refurbishment. The club looks great and the team members are very enthusiastic and proud of the club so I am sure all the customers will have a great time when there. Mecca Bingo is investing in the future of bingo so it’s important that we continue to campaign for a fair tax regime. Most of the people who play bingo use it as an opportunity for social interaction and there is no logic as to why it pays more tax than other forms of gambling.”
Following her visit to Mecca Bingo, Ms Hodge has become a member of theAll Party Parliamentary Group on Bingo. The Group represents the interests of the bingo industry in Parliament and is embarking on a programme of activity to ensure that parliamentarians are kept abreast of the industry’s developments and issues.
A series of photographs by Simon Roberts, commissioned by the House of Commons, will be featured in a summer exhibition in Parliament.
Among a number of photos featured are a set taken during a Bingo club visit by MP’s Luciana Berger and Stephen Twigg. Both Mr Twigg and Ms Berger pledged their support for Bingo by signing the Bond during their visit to Mecca Knotty Ash.
The full set of photos and more information on The Election Project can be seen at www.theelectionproject.co.uk/home.
Labour & Cooperative Party Candidate for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, Linda Gilroy, recently visited her local club, Gala Charles Cross. Ms Gilroy has previously shown her support for Bingo by signing the Bingo Bond and later blogged about her visit on her personal website -
“Earlier this week I visited Charles Cross Gala Bingo continuing my campaign for fairer taxes on Bingo. I met with the club’s manager, Ian Pritchard, and had a chance to see how new technology has changed the face of our bingo halls while still allowing players to enjoy a traditional game.
Following several campaigns, the Chancellor agreed to remove VAT from Bingo and, more recently, has agreed to reduce duty on the game from 22% to 20%.
While we have successfully campaigned to bring down the Bingo duty, the industry is still facing big challenges. From what I have seen Bingo clubs are seeking to explore a range of new and exciting ways in which people can play the game and get involved but we have to support them in this.
The tax on bingo is still 5% higher than in other parts of the gaming industry. If successfully re-elected you can certainly count on me to continue campaigning for a fairer Bingo tax!”
Linda Gilroy with Ian Pritchard at Gala Charles Cross
The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, yesterday announced in his Budget that Bingo Duty is to be cut from 22 to 20% from the end of the March. Whilst this can be seen as a step in the right direction, the industry feels more still needs to be done. Tax on other forms of gambling – some of which have no community benefits or notable employment – starts at 15%, a situation that is grossly unfair for Bingo.
On Tuesday 9th March, a Parliamentary reception was held in the House of Commons on behalf of the Bingo Association. The event, sponsored by Labour MP Eric Illsley, was attended by over 30 MP’s from the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Scottish National benches, who pledged their support for and signed the Bingo Bond.
From left to right: Linda Gilroy MP, the Bingo Association's Paul Talboys and Christine Russell MP
Daily Star, 13th July 2009
“Furious bingo players have put a curse on Chancellor Alistair Darling…”
To see video of the event click here or visit the Bingo Demonstration page.
BBC Radio 5 Live:
BBC Radio 4 Today:
BBC Bristol:
BBC Cumbria:
BBC Derby:
BBC Essex:
BBC Leeds:
BBC Newcastle:
BBC Norfolk:
Tay FM:
The Sun, 9th June 2009
“THE owner of MECCA BINGO claims a tax hike has made it TWICE as likely that bingo halls will go to the wall this year…”
Harlow Star. 4th June 2009
“BINGO players in Harlow are calling on the Government to scrap its decision to raise the tax duty on the profits paid by the promoters to 22 per cent.”
Mad.co.uk. May 28th, 2009
“Two of the UK’s biggest bingo hall operators have launched campaigns to highlight the Government’s “grossly unfair” proposed increase in bingo tax.”
Read it here
Marketing Week. 4th June, 2009
“Two of the UK’s biggest bingo hall operators have launched campaigns to highlight the Government’s “grossly unfair” proposed increase in bingo tax.”
Read it here
Times City Desk. 28th May, 2009
“Those cheeky chaps at Gala Bingo have come up with a nifty way of having a pop at the Chancellor’s shock decision to raise bingo duty…”
Read it here
On Sunday the BBC’s Politics Show raised the issue of the unfair tax regime bingo is facing, along with interviews with Edward Timpson MP, who has been extremely supportive of the bingo industry, and Ian Burke. Thanks to Gill and her team at Mecca Crewe for facilitating the filming at short notice.
Telegraph & Argus. May 14th, 2009
Read it here
Wirral Globe. May 8th, 2009
Read it here
Lancashire Evening Post. May 11th 2009
Read it here
This is Exeter. May 14th, 2009
Read it here
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian. May 18th, 2009
Read it here
Hartlepool Mail. May 21st, 2009
Read it here
This is gloucestershire.co.uk. May 28th, 2009
Read it here
Bingo Supermarket. May 15th, 2009
Read it here
This is Gloucestershire. 26th May, 2009
Read it here
The Comet. 24 May 28th 2009
Read it here
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
Read it here
Rochdale Online. May 18th, 2009
Read it here
Uxbridge Gazette. May 18th, 2009
Read it here
Shropshire Star. May 18th, 2009
Read it here
This is Bristol.co.uk. 20th May, 2009
Read it here
Oldham Evening Chronicle. May 20th, 2009
Read it here
This is Bristol. May 22nd, 2009
Read it here
bingohideout.co.uk. May 17th, 2009
Read it here
Rochdale Observer. May 16th, 2009
Read it here
Wirral Globe. May 8th, 2009
Read it here
Lancashire Evening Post. May 11th, 2009
Read it here
This is Exeter.co.uk. May 14th, 2009
Read it here
Telegraph & Argus. May 14th, 2009
Read it here
Hamilton Advertiser. Mat 21st, 2009
Read it here
Gaming Alerts. May 27th, 2009
Read it here
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian. May 27th, 2009.
Read it here
Crewe Chronicle. May 27th, 2009
Read it here
It is not too late for the regulatory landscape to change so that bingo can flourish once more.
We are asking MPs to show their support for the bingo industry and call for a fairer taxation regime.
For more information click here
For more information contact:
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