UK online gaming tax set
UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by the UK Independent: "Changes in gaming duties could cost casino operators £100m over three years and will do little to encourage online gambling companies to relocate to the UK, industry experts warned.
"Internet gaming companies were hoping the Chancellor would set a tax rate at around 2 to 3 per cent to encourage them to move back to Britain from tax havens in Gibraltar, Malta and Alderney. However, the Remote Gaming Duty was set at 15 per cent, in line with that for bookmakers and bingo halls. Online gaming companies said the Chancellor had in effect shut the door on the industry.
"Casino operators were also disappointed. Gordon Brown scrapped the lowest tax band for small casinos and created a higher 50 per cent band for the super-casino planned for Manchester and eight large casinos in other parts of the country.
"…The Remote Gambling Association, which represents the online industry, said it would now be almost impossible for a UK-based operation to compete with offshore businesses…"