The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in the United Kingdom has accused the government of conducting a covert tax raid on casinos, which could cost the gaming industry up to £5 million (approximately $6.2 million) annually.
The BGC referenced a statement by Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt, who promised to introduce a unified tax on online gambling. The Council's CEO, Michael Dugher, emphasized that abolishing the law on a single tax could have boosted the development of the land-based casino sector in the UK. Instead, he believes the government is missing an opportunity to create new jobs.
The Council noted that casinos annually contribute £300 million in taxes, but four establishments have closed in the past four months, and the country's gaming sector has lost 25% of its workforce over four years. According to the BGC, the new tax will further worsen the situation.
Currently, there are 117 gambling establishments remaining in the UK.
