Bingo duty reduction comes into effect

30 Jun 2014 04:13 PM

 Reduction welcomed by the industry, with members of the Bingo Association committing to reinvest the tax saved into clubs across the country. 

From yesterday (Monday 30 June) hundreds of clubs across the country will benefit from the reduction of bingo duty as the new tax rate of 10% comes into effect.

The government announced at Budget that the tax paid on bingo would be reduced from 20% to 10%.

This reduction was welcomed by the industry, with members of the Bingo Association committing to reinvest the tax saved in a number of different ways.

The Rank Group, which operates Mecca Bingo clubs, announced that it will open three new halls, and restart its modernisation programme as a result of the reduction, leading to more than 200 new jobs within the company.

Gala Bingo also announced that it will open a new club as a result of the tax reduction, leading to 50 new jobs, and protecting almost 200 jobs elsewhere that would otherwise have been lost due to closures.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, said:

From today, the lower rate of bingo duty will benefit clubs across the country.

Bingo plays an important role in local communities, and I hope that the lower rate of tax will encourage investment and help these clubs to thrive.