British bookmakers continue to push for a lower betting duty in England. Yesterday, industry representatives met Treasury Minister Stephen Timms MP to press their case for a reduction in duty to 3 percent from the present rate of 6.75 percent.
"The minister listened carefully to our arguments and commented that the research we have undertaken
into the future of U.K. and international gambling was thorough and comprehensive. He indicated that he would discuss our case with the Chancellor as part of preparations for the Budget, which we welcome," said Warwick Bartlett, chairman of the bookmakers' committee of the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
"The whole industry is watching what the government does with betting duty in the budget. If there is no movement, the current trickle of U.K. companies moving or setting-up operations off-shore will become a flood," Bartlett explained. "We made it clear to the minister that U.K. bookmaking is at a crossroads. The pace of change generated by internet betting is enormous, and the U.K. is already being left behind."
He concluded, "We have done all we can, and I believe that the government can have no illusions about the true state of affairs in the betting industry. The ball is now in their court."