Bingo Players Slapped By Chancellor Darling

by Hollie Sanders

Despite the urge for assistance from Chancellor Darling to end the double taxation on bingo clubs, the last 14 months have seen the closure of 43 Bingo clubs.

The current taxes paid by bingo clubs are first the VAT, which takes 17.5% of the revenue, and then second, the Gross Profits tax that will be 15% of the revenue. The double taxation was announced in the first budget from Chancellor Allistair Darling released March 12, 2008…

Chief Paul Talboys of the Bingo association has spoken out in opposition to the Governments double taxation. It has been cites as unfair, and a direct insult to bingo players and establishments alike. It will likely bring about the closure of many more clubs in the coming months.

This double taxation decree comes just one day after the National Lottery released its own commercials that depicted bingo halls as outdated and run down. The National Lottery is backed by the same government that is applying the double tax to bingo halls. One can see a clear correlation and wonder if the government is beginning a campaign to eliminate bingo halls across the country.

It also strikes odd that the government lightened the restrictions on casinos, allowing a push of new super casinos throughout the country, and giving bingo establishments even more competition for business. The seeming acknowledgement of gambling being a part of British culture, unfortunately does not include traditional bingo halls in its acceptance.

Keep an eye on the news, bingo fans – who knows what will come next!