Casino News

Gaming licence to become more expensive in Scarborough

2008-04-14 15:41:03

Gambling operators in Scarborough could have to pay as much as £75 more a year for their gaming licences, it has been revealed.

A report, which will be discussed by the local licensing authority this week, recommended that licenses be increased by nine per cent to fully cover the costs of regulating the industry, the Scarborough Evening News reports.

Bingo premises would see their licence fees rise from £850 to approximately £925, for example.

Council spokesman Andy Skelton commented: "The work involved in administration and enforcement has been more intensive than predicted and the overall number of licences issued was less than predicted."

Last year saw the introduction of a new licensing system, whereby the government can decide the maximum amount of money a council can charge for a licence, but a local licensing committee has the power to decide the exact figures within these parameters.

The tax levied on the UK's gaming industry was increased last year.