More Politicians Fight for Bingo Tax Reduction

Friday 18th June, 2010

The increased bingo tax has not only angered players; politicians and other public figures are upset over the debacle, and they are now making their voices heard.
 
Stewart Hosie, a member of the Scottish National Party, has recently called the increase of the bingo tax from 15% to 22% unfair. He states that because of the rise, the future of Scotland’s bingo halls is at risk. Already, the UK has seen plenty of closures and a decline in attendance, and the politician expects things to only get worse in the future. 

Currently, most gambling activities in the UK only receive a tax of 15%, but bingo is the only game that is taxed so highly. It doesn’t seem fair that such a popular leisure activity is subjected to higher taxes than others, and Hosie believes that all gambling activities should have the same tax requirements. 

Another Scottish politician, Jim Barrie has also voiced concern. He says that playing bingo has become a part of the social fabric for people in the UK, and it is imperative that residents are able to play the game without such exorbitant stipulations. 

Only time will tell if the government decides to rescind the increase. With the support that the opposition is gaining, it is likely that there will be decrease from 22%, but residents are still hoping that the tax will be reduced to 15% like all of the other gambling activities in the UK.