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BGC Urges UK Chancellor to Drop the Proposed New Gambling Tax Simplification Measure

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has urged the UK Chancellor against using a proposed new gambling tax simplification measure to further raise taxes which will threaten sports including horse racing.

In the Autumn Statement, the Government confirmed it will consult on new proposals to bring remote betting into a single tax, replacing the current three-tax structure.

General betting duty and pool betting duty are set at 15% of operator profits, but remote gaming duty, levied on games of chance such as online casino, is set at 21%.

Any hike in betting duty would likely lead to lower margins on racing, fewer offers for punters and less funding to sponsor and promote the sport.

The tax threat comes as revenues are already being stretched by so-called affordability checks on customers, plans to replace the current voluntary levy with a new statutory levy to fund Research, Education and Treatment to tackle gambling related harm and spiraling costs for betting operators to support horse racing.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Any further new tax rises could be a hammer blow for horse racing’s finances, which are already threatened thanks to measures proposed by the Government in the recent white paper.

“This is a sport which relies heavily on betting operators for its success and yet the Government appears determined to draft in measures which shrink the industry with huge ramifications for other sectors, like horse racing.

“What’s worse, the Treasury didn’t bother to consult or even inform DCMS, which is the department responsible for betting and racing. It seems they are high on tax but low on joined up government.

“There are genuine fears that any so-called simplification of the current tax structure will be nothing more than a Trojan Horse to further raise taxes on businesses.

“This has the potential to risk jobs and investment, and undermine the competitiveness of British horse racing on the global stage, placing its rich history and heritage in peril.

“We were promised an Autumn Statement that would deliver growth – the only thing growing is the list of worries for the betting and horse racing industries”.

The proposed new tax simplification plan comes soon after the Government’s White Paper, published in April, which included measures that will cost online operators in excess of £895m in Gross Gambling Yield.

And comes as bookmakers are preparing to make a record contribution to horse racing next year – with the bill for media rights forecast to increase by nearly £30m.

The Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, Entain, Flutter, bet365, 888/William Hill and Betfred, expect to see a record cost increase to broadcast races.

In 2022, BGC members paid £270.1m for the rights to live stream races for customers and show them in bookmakers.

But that cost is forecast to rise to £285.3m this year, an increase of 5.6%, with members estimating a further increase to £315.2m in 2024, a further bump of 10.5%.

The forecast costs come after the BGC announced their members directly contributed £384m to British horse racing last year in levy, media rights and sponsorship deals.

In addition, bookmakers spent £125m on marketing to promote racing and betting through advertisements and partnerships.

Horse racing is the second biggest sport in the UK, second only to football, with more than five million people attending around 1400 fixtures annually across 59 racecourses.

However, its popularity is in decline. In 2007, 17% of the population participated in horse race betting in the previous year, but that fell to 10% in 2018.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has committed to reviewing the Horseracing Levy by next year.

The Horseracing Levy, which is administered by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, goes towards improving the sport, breeding and boosting veterinary care.

Betting operators are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and racing stakeholders on much needed reforms to the fixture list and race programme which should increase commercial returns from the levy and media rights.

Betting shops support 42,000 jobs on the UK’s hard-pressed high streets, generating £800 million a year in tax to the Treasury and another £60m in business rates to local councils.

But this contribution is under threat, the combined impacts of recent regulatory reforms and Covid lockdowns have forced the closure of over 2000 shops with the loss of 10,000 jobs since 2019.

The wider regulated betting and gaming industry contributes £7.1bn to the economy, generates £4.2bn in tax and supports 110,000 jobs.

The BGC has repeatedly warned changes to the regulated betting and gaming sector by the Government must not risk forcing customer to the unsafe gambling black market online.

A study by PWC showed the number of customers using an unlicensed betting website has grown from 210,000 to 460,000 and billions is being staked.

Each month in Great Britain around 22.5m adults have a bet and the most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Will Bolton named ‘David Orrick Journalist of the Year’ at ICE Barcelona

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Will Bolton, Editor of G3 has been named the first ‘David Orrick Journalist of the Year’. Presented at ICE Barcelona by Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter, the Award has been created in memory of respected gambling industry writer David Orrick who passed in September 2024 aged 75.

Making the presentation, Stuart Hunter said: “Last year the industry sadly lost one of its most ardent and articulate supporters with the passing of David Orrick. David worked in the industry first as a journalist editing trade title EuroSlot and then heading-up PR and media relations for a raft of internationally recognised gambling brands.

“From the moment he joined the industry in 1995 he participated in our events first as a journalist and then as an exhibitor handling comms for many of the land-based sector’s best known manufacturers.

“David was a formidable personality steeped in the industry, highly knowledgeable and internationally respected. When David shared his opinion you listened and took note of his insights. He was a true ‘critical friend’ and made important contributions to the success of our brands not least ICE which he supported with a passion. He is greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

“In David’s honour and having consulted with his family we decided to launch a special award which carries his name. The David Orrick Journalist Of The Year Award recognises the talent and dedication which exists within the community of writers who report on the industry. Often overlooked, they provide an essential service helping to bring together games creators and providers with consumer-facing brands.

“To launch the David Orrick Award we invited publishers to nominate one of their star writers. From what was an extremely high quality short list a judging panel comprising members of the Clarion team identified our inaugural winner. Described by our judges as being extremely talented, diligent, easy to build a rapport with incisive and knowledgeable. I am delighted to confirm G3’s Will Bolton as the winner of the inaugural David Orrick Journalist of the Year.”

David’s son James Davidson reflected: “David lived and breathed the industry with everything that he had. It wasn’t a job , it was a way of life and something that he cherished dearly. David is hugely missed but he would be undoubtedly proud of the fact that his work and commitment to the industry has been valued. This Award would be something he would have hugely endorsed and shared avidly with the winners. Thank you for creating an award that shares and recognises David’s work.”

 

The post Will Bolton named ‘David Orrick Journalist of the Year’ at ICE Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Toshi.bet Expands in Crypto Gambling Market with Instant Withdrawals and Privacy-Focused Gaming

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Toshi.bet introduces a streamlined crypto gambling experience with instant transactions, no KYC requirements, and tailored deposit bonuses.

Toshi.bet, a growing cryptocurrency casino, is expanding its presence in the online gambling industry with a focus on instant withdrawals, privacy, and a broad selection of gaming options. Operating as a no-KYC platform, Toshi.bet provides players with an alternative to traditional online casinos by leveraging blockchain-backed security and provably fair gaming.

Key Features of Toshi.bet

  • Notable Growth in the Crypto Casino Sector – Toshi.bet has seen an increase in its user base, with thousands of players engaging in its gaming platform daily.
  • Instant Deposits & Withdrawals – The platform supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDT, and various other cryptocurrencies, enabling near-instant, fee-free transactions.
  • Privacy-Focused Gaming – With no KYC requirements, Toshi.bet offers users the ability to place bets while maintaining their anonymity.
  • Deposit Bonuses & Reward Programs – Players can access tailored deposit bonuses of up to 200%, free spins, and rakeback rewards.
  • Diverse Game Selection – The platform features a variety of gaming options, including slots, live casino, Plinko, dice, and other blockchain-optimized games.

 

The post Toshi.bet Expands in Crypto Gambling Market with Instant Withdrawals and Privacy-Focused Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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PopOK Gaming Introduces Poly Live Casino Studio by Alec Monopoly, Featuring Poly Blackjack & Poly Roulette

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PopOK Gaming, a leading innovator in the iGaming industry, is pleased to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Poly Live Casino Studio by world-renowned street artist Alec Monopoly.

This one-of-a-kind live casino experience merges the excitement of classic table games with Monopoly’s signature artistic flair, offering an electrifying new dimension to online gaming.

The Poly Live Casino Studio introduces two premium live dealer games – Poly Blackjack and Poly Roulette – delivering an unparalleled fusion of art, entertainment, and immersive gameplay. Featuring exclusive designs by Alec Monopoly, the studio is set to captivate players with its bold visuals and dynamic atmosphere, transforming traditional casino gaming into a work of art.

A Live Casino Experience Like No Other

The Poly Live Casino Studio is a fully interactive, high-energy gaming environment where players can engage with professional dealers in real time. Designed to reflect Alec Monopoly’s iconic street art style, every element of the studio – from the tables to the backdrops – exudes creativity and luxury.

  • Poly Blackjack: A fresh take on the timeless classic, featuring a customized table design with bold, colorful artwork and dynamic visuals that elevate the traditional roulette experience. Players can enjoy all the standard inside and outside bets, complemented by an electrifying atmosphere inspired by Monopoly’s signature art.
  • Poly Roulette: This exclusive Blackjack table offers a seamless combination of strategy and style. With a fully immersive studio setting and high-quality streaming, players can engage in classic Blackjack gameplay while surrounded by a unique artistic backdrop. The game maintains all standard rules while offering an elevated, collector’s edition feel.

A Collaboration That Redefines Gaming

Alec Monopoly, known for his vibrant and unconventional artistic expressions, brings his signature touch to the live casino space in collaboration with PopOK Gaming. This partnership pushes the boundaries of iGaming by blending fine art with cutting-edge technology, offering players a gaming experience that is as visually striking as it is thrilling.

Elevating the Future of Live Casino Gaming

The launch of the Poly Live Casino Studio marks a new era for live dealer games, where creativity and gaming converge to create a uniquely engaging atmosphere. With PopOK Gaming’s cutting-edge technology and Monopoly’s artistic brilliance, this live casino experience is set to redefine industry standards.

The Poly Live Casino Studio is now available for operators worldwide, bringing a visually stunning and highly interactive gaming experience to players across multiple platforms.

For more information about Poly Blackjack, Poly Roulette, and the Poly Live Casino Studio, visit popokgaming.com.

 

The post PopOK Gaming Introduces Poly Live Casino Studio by Alec Monopoly, Featuring Poly Blackjack & Poly Roulette appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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