UK Gambling Operators Threaten to Leave the Country

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 - Emily W.

Bingo fans aren't the only ones upset by the UK's tax schemes. The online casino and online gambling industry are also having difficulties with the country's gambling regulators, as they are being charged an exorbitant amount of taxes. 

Two of the biggest online gambling operators in the industry, moved their operations offshore earlier this year. They were tired of paying unfair taxes and felt that offshore locations would allow them more financial freedom. 

While the loss of two of the biggest players in the market would have been a wakeup call, the British Horseracing Authority, the regulator is still stuck it’s in ways. It has refused to lower taxes for online gambling operators in the country, a decision which still continues to upset professionals in the industry. 

Now, one more operator has announced that it is planning on leaving the UK market if the taxes are not lowered. In this case, this company has recently become a publically traded company, demonstrating its profitability in the UK gambling industry. The BHA could stand to earn a great deal of tax revenue from this operator, if it would budge and lower taxes. However, the regulator continues to stand firm, forcing an increasing number of operators out of the country.