The boss of Mecca Bingo in Dewsbury has added her voice to the growing number of people speaking out against the recent government move to increase bingo taxes.
Julie Smith fears for the future of bricks and mortar bingo clubs now that the duty on profits has been set at 22 percent. She, like other managers, believes that the tax should be only 15 percent, in line with other forms of betting, such as bookmakers, pools, and online gambling. Instead, the tax has been set to mirror that of casinos. The tax move came as a part of the recent budget, and has been an unpopular decision for many owners of bingo clubs, and for bingo players, who fear that the move will force the closure of many local independent bingo halls.
Julie said that there is no immediate threat of club closure, but added that “It is a fear for me and many other bingo club manages. The tax makes a huge difference to the value for money we can offer customers. It makes everything harder in an already tough climate. Things are tight anyway and we are trying to make ends meet. It means I can’t take on staff if I want to.”
Julie continued by explaining that for many people, bingo clubs are a form of social lifeline. “Sometimes we are their only contact with the outside world. I don’t know why the government has chosen to discriminate against bingo, but I do know that in these difficult times it could be hugely damaging.”
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