In his Spring Budget, the UK government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, announced a 15 per cent rate for Remote Gaming Tax. Martin Dane, Tax Principal, BDO Stoy Hayward, comments:

“The announcement of a 15 per cent rate for Remote Gaming Tax is a real bolt from the blue. Together with no indication that the corporation tax regime will recognise the potentially huge tax cost of becoming regulated, this sounds the death knell for the UK government’s aspiration to be the world leader in regulated remote gaming.”

“This is a golden opportunity missed. Setting rates at an appropriate level could have attracted offshore remote gaming operators to the UK. This short-sighted decision may even force existing UK remote gaming businesses to relocate offshore to remain competitive.”