Bingo Tax Hike Targets Women, Says Club Manager

Mecca manager upset by tax hikes for land-based bingo operators.

A bingo club manager has accused the government of singling out women to boost its tax revenues.

Gary Taylor, manager of Mecca Bingo in Rochdale, claimed that the decision to increase bingo duty from 15 per cent to 22 per cent targets the predominantly female clientele at bingo venues.

Staff and customers at the bingo hall have written to local MP Paul Rowen in protest at the higher tax rates, the Rochdale Observer reports.

"Our customers just can't understand why the government is targeting women. It just doesn't seem fair," Mr Taylor told the newspaper.

"It would be criminal if clubs are forced to close because the government is discriminating against one of the nation's favourite pastimes," he added.

Bingo operators have been up in arms since the new rate of bingo duty was unveiled by chancellor Alistair Darling in last month's Budget.

Although bingo halls are now subject to a tax rate of 22 per cent, online bingo and sports betting firms still pay gross profits tax of 15 per cent.