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UK Government threatens statutory gambling levy
In the face of ongoing difficulties raising funds through voluntary contributions, the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is considering imposing a statutory levy on the industry around £5 million a year.
The money would be used to fund problem gambling initiatives such as running helplines, treatment centres, and research.
"Existing voluntary arrangements with gambling operators have not raised an acceptable amount and in some cases contributions have not been forthcoming," the DCMS stated, announcing a consultation on its proposals. The Government has made it clear that a statutory levy will come into force during the 2009/2010 financial year unless the industry can give satisfactory funding guarantees.
The DCMS proposes that premises-based operators would pay a flat fee based on the number of premises they run and the type and volume of gambling they offer.
Remote operators would pay a flat fee within bands based on the Gambling Commission's licence structure, and the levy will be set to take account of the particular challenges facing smaller operators.
"We have put the protection of vulnerable people at the heart of the Gambling Act and that remains our priority. We must ensure that organisations working to prevent and treat problem gambling are given the financial security they need to carry out the important work they do," said the UK's Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe.
"Gambling operators have a responsibility to help fund this and it is very disappointing that the industry has so far failed to agree improved voluntary arrangements to do this."
"If the industry can agree the improved voluntary arrangements in the meantime the door is not closed, but time has almost run out," he added.
