Scottish Politician Calls For Bingo Tax Change

Bingo needs fairer tax policy, says Scottish politician

The UK government has encountered fresh calls to revise its tax policy for the bingo industry.

Billy McLaren, SNP candidate for the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat at the next general election, is the latest politician to draw attention to the injustice of "double taxation" on bingo halls, the Paisley Daily Express reports.

Bingo firms are currently required to pay both VAT at 17.5 per cent and gross products tax at 15 per cent, while other gaming operators are taxed just 15 per cent on their earnings.

Mr McLaren said: "Bingo is great fun for many people, providing a place to meet and socialise in a safe and friendly environment.

"I hope the UK government will see how unfair the current taxation is and change it before we lose any bingo halls in Renfrewshire."

Bingo halls in the Paisley area include Regal Bingo and the New Globe Bingo & Social Club.