The intense lobbying of the government by Britain’s bingo operators has so far failed to achieve results. It had been hoped that yesterday’s budget speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer would bring some relief to the beleaguered bingo business and change the present double taxation policy. Unlike casinos and bookmakers, bingos pay the current 17.5% VAT as well as the 15% gross profits tax.

The impact of the smoking ban introduced last year and the removal of lucrative gaming machines from bingo clubs under the new Gambling Act has caused a sharp dip in profitability for bingo operators. An estimated 43 clubs have been closed already and more closures are envisaged now that double taxation is to remain. One recent assessment considers that another 108 bingo venues are likely to become unviable and close.

Bingo operators and their employees will continue to lobby and petition the government. Of all gambling activity bingo is usually considered the most acceptable, with a stronger social aspect for players. As the Liberal Democrat spokesman for Culture, Media and Sport stated, “A much loved leisure pursuit for millions of people is close to collapse.” (E-03.13.08)

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