Casino News

Increase in gaming 'may boost UK economy'

2009-05-01 16:03:53

The arrival of more gaming firms in the UK would create a boost for the economy, it has been suggested.

Brian Wright, business director at the Remote Gambling Association, noted that changes to taxes could attract more companies to the country.

Should this happen, he said, an "awful lot" of jobs would be created.

"They'll be subjected to the regulation of the Gambling Commission, so the government would have control over how the companies were regulated and what they put in their advertising," Mr Wright added.

He was commenting after sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe announced that changes will be made to the rules for overseas gambling operators advertising in the UK.

Mr Sutcliffe explained that the step is being taken in response to rapid advances in online gaming and is designed to ensure British firms can compete with foreign companies.

Remote gaming profits are currently subject to 15 per cent duty, according to HM Revenue & Customs.