Since the new tax rate was passed, two of the UK’s biggest online operators have moved their finances offshore. While smaller operators, have been forced to either close, or face bankruptcy. Things just seem to have gone from bad to worse, for many of the UK’s land based Bingo Halls. And it isn’t just the little guys who have been affected. Just take a look at the state of the Gala Bingo, and you’ll get the picture.
Yvette Cooper, former treasury minister, has always been against the Bingo Tax. And, although she is no longer minister, she continues to give her support. Cooper wrote to the current treasury secretary, Sarah Mc Carthy Fry, airing her, and others, concerns.
While most in the industry believe that the government has overlooked many relative, and crucial aspects, Sarah Fry states that the tax increase had nothing to do with the decline of the land based Bingo Halls. Instead, she believes that the problems are due to a change in the public’s general entertainment preferences. As well as a rise in competition, within the industry as a whole. In short, not so many people want to play Bingo, and there are more Bingo operators around.
This does seem, somewhat, a case of 'tunnel vision'. And, certainly, short of reiterating the bombardment of problems land based Bingo Halls have had to face, of late. The no smoking hit hard. The recession hit harder. Therefore, it stands to reason, the Bingo tax is going to be a killer blow for the little guy. One can only presume, where the government are concerned, the little guy isn’t a concern. Now, that makes a change. Lol.
This was an article by Lisa for Bingo Faces on Bingo Tax
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