Arcade Owners Resent New Bingo Slots Ruling

by Hollie Sanders

The poor UK Government have been in hot water with the Bingo Association and UK Bingo operators for their unfair treatment of them in the past, and finally when the Government relents and gives them a break, someone else is unhappy with the decision. This is the case with the fact that the Government has said that it will allow Bingo Halls to have eight of the highly lucrative ₤500 jackpot, ₤1 wager, slot machines in clubs instead of the four that was introduced last September.

Now the Arcade owners are up in arms and owners in Southend and Canvey seafront arcades have lashed out at the Government, saying that they are promulgating legislation that puts them at a distinct disadvantage to compete with bingo clubs. Apparently officials are going to take a look at the kinds and amounts of slot machines to be allowed in arcades but this will not cover high stakes machines.

The owner of the Fantasia Eastern Esplanade in Southend, Graham Rawlinson, said that he felt there should be a level playing field, and that to allow these slots games in bingo halls and not allow arcades to have them was wrong. But I disagree, all other gaming activities are only taxed 15% Gross Profit Tax and this includes Mr. Rawlinsons establishment. In the case of UK bingo halls that pay this tax plus 17.5% VAT. I’ll bet he hasn’t taken this factor into consideration. But regardless there are a number of other Arcade owners who are crying foul play also. I think that it is time for the Government to make a decision and apply the same rules to everyone. Perhaps Mr. Rawlinson should get his machines and then also be liable to an addition 17.5% in VAT payments annually?