While Mecca Bingo can look forward to a 62million rebate, for overpayment of Tax, unlawfully charged by the UK Customs and Excise, Gala Coral could be looking at a multi million dollar tax bill. It has been reported that Gala Coral, who are already struggling to pay off billions of pounds worth of debt, may have to face another blow from the UK government. Primarily, if the government goes ahead with a crack down on the £500 Jackpot, Roulette Slot Machines. A big earner for the Gala Coral.
It is also believed that the UK Chancellor, Alistair Darling, will be targeting these machines for more tax increases in the future. A study carried out in 2007 indicated that around one in nine, Roulette Slot Machine players had a gambling problem. The Gambling Commission have now become involved, and it’s expected that they will advise Gerry Sutcliffe, the UK Culture Minister, to order more research into the problem.
Word is, the Gambling Commission have also discussed their belief that Gala Bingo Halls, along with others, have manipulated the rules, and their local licensing authorities, in order to install more of these, big money, Jackpot slots into their clubs.
Currently, the amount of Roulette Slot Machines any single club can have is limited. However, the commission believes that the Gala Bingo Halls have organised subdivisions within their clubs, in order to be granted multiple licences. The way things stand, the Gambling Commission sets out guidelines for local authorities, however, they are free to make their own decisions, and, there’s nothing the commission can actually do, to enforce those guidelines. It’s not just Gala Coral in the firing line. However, they are one of the most vulnerable companies if the government decides to crack down.
This was an article by Lisa for Bingo Faces on 25/06/2009
