UK Government Issues Bingo Tax Statement

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Six weeks after Michael Holden submitted the petition against the bingo tax increase, the government has finally responded. The petition earned over 2500 signatures and supporters, who were left frustrated after the government simultaneously retracted the VAT while establishing a 7% increase on the existing bingo duty tax.

In response, the government's statement said: "Budget 2009 introduced a package of reforms intended to simplify the bingo tax regime", stating that when participation fees became exempt to the VAT, the duty had to be increased to 22% in order to continue the process of reform. It continues: "the bingo duty increase should not be seen in isolation".

While it is a response, it does not say much about what the government plans to do about the issue. In fact, it points more to possibility that nothing will be done. While this may come as bad news, it is also an encouraging announcement that should push more players to get involved in the cause.

While online bingo is keeping the industry alive, land-based halls are still a great source for many bingo players. With almost 30 closures since the beginning of the year, it is becoming an issue for all types of bingo fans. However, with free bingo now available online, its likely that the land based industry will never become as popular as internet bingo.