HC Deb 09 December 1976 vol 922 cc351-2W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present income from taxes on gambling; at what rates these taxes are levied on different types of gambling; and what the yield would be if the rates were doubled.

Mr. Denzil Davies

The Budget estimate of the yield of the betting and gaming duties in 1976–77 is £295 million. There is also some revenue from VAT on gaming machines which would bring the total yield to over £300 million. It is not possible to forecast the effect of doubling all the rates of the betting and gaming duties.

In simplified form, the rates of duty applying in Great Britain are:

(a) General Betting Duty

  • Off-course: 7½ per cent. of stakes.
  • On-course: 4 per cent. of stakes.

(b) Pool Betting Duty

  • Pool betting (including fixed odds coupon betting): 40 per cent. of stakes.
  • Pool competitions registered under the Pool Competitions Act 1971: 33⅓ per cent. of stakes.

(c) Gaming Licence Duty The rates of duty depend on the rateable value of the premises and on the number of gaming tables; the rates chargeable, per half year, range from £500 to £11,250 for each table.

(d) Gaming Machine Licence Duty

First machine £ Subsequent machines £
Jackpot machines:
Lower rate … 50 100
Higher rate … 100 200
Amusements with prizes machines:
Lower rate … 12.50 50
Higher rate … 25 100
Holiday season licences £7.50 per machine

(e) Bingo Duty—5 per cent. of stakes.