Brigid Simmonds, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), recently countered arguments for a fresh levy on wagering businesses to finance addiction initiatives. She contended that this “mandatory tariff” wouldn’t truly generate any supplementary funds for the purpose.
Addressing the BGC’s yearly gathering in London, Simmonds detailed the organization’s stance on the UK government’s forthcoming white paper on gaming reform and the possibility of a new tax on betting firms.
“Our attention is completely on elevating standards in safer gaming,” she stated. “The white paper will implement the modifications that we have been advocating for, but they must be balanced, well-thought-out, and directed at those vulnerable, the 0.3% of the populace who are problem gamblers.”
Simmonds emphasized the industry’s current contributions to tackling problem gambling. “BGC members’ financing of research, education, and treatment (RET) has yielded many of the changes that have diminished problem gambling,” she said. “The biggest gaming corporations have committed an extra £100 million to combat problem gambling – yet detractors still desire to tax them to finance programs addressing gambling harm.”
She asserted that a new tax would be unproductive, stating, “This levy won’t furnish any more money for RET; instead, it will weaken a voluntary system of funding that has been in place, and functioning, for over two decades. It’s a tax that would be very simple to raise and expend on other matters in the future.”
Simon is also eager to emphasize the positive impact of wagering establishments on local commerce, noting that “89% of patrons who frequent these shops also make purchases at other businesses in the area. A vibrant high street requires a diverse mix of retail and entertainment options.”
This report carries significant weight, as it is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the UK gambling landscape, potentially resulting in the implementation of revised legislation and regulations.