After coming up £1.2 million short in voluntary charity contributions for problem gambling research, ministers in the United Kingdom are imposing a statutory levy for all operators and bookmakers, The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday.
According to The Telegraph, since operators and bookmakers are failing to meet the minimum contribution into the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, a mandatory tax is in the works with contribution rates based on the company’s size.
Under the U.K. Gambling Act 2005, the gambling trust was set up so that gambling operators have the option to pay, but the contribution is not mandatory.
According to the trust's 2006-2007 Annual Report, only 11 gambling companies contributed to the trust. While the gambling trust met its funding goal of £3 million for that year, the goal has increased this year to £4.5 million.