The report said that while some gambling is fun and safe, the committee “rejects the industry’s assertion that gambling causes no social ills”.
They heard that online betting can promote harmful, addictive gambling behaviours “that bring no benefits to people, families and communities”.
Chair of the committee Dame Meg Hillier, said online betting games were “extracting huge amounts of money from people who have been funnelled into the most addictive, harmful corners of the industry via their love of sports, or the occasional game of bingo”.
However, Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council (BCG), cited NHS research showing that only 0.4% of adults are problem gamblers.
“BGC members contribute £6.8 billion to the economy, generate £4 billion in tax, and support 109,000 jobs, while facing an effective tax rate of up to 80%,” she said.
Punters’ winnings from gambling are not taxed in the UK, nor is VAT charged on bets. However, the gambling industry pays extra taxes, including:
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a tax of 21% on online casino gaming stakes
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duty of 20% on slots and gaming machines
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general betting duty on sports fixtures of 15%
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general betting duty on horseracing of 15%
Reeves recently told ITV: “I do think there is a case for gambling firms paying more…they should pay their fair share of taxes and we will make sure that happens.”
Nearly a quarter of Labour MPs have signed a petition urging the chancellor to hike taxes on gambling companies and use the money to lift benefit restrictions on families with more than two children.
