New gambling tax in the next budget

[Archery1969]

While for most of us on here it is enjoyable, I think for an overwhelming number of people it is probably a very negative experience.

Life is a negative experience for many, doesn't mean we should end it.

In the year of the city 2274, the remnants of human civilization live in a sealed city contained beneath a cluster of geodesic domes, a utopia run by a computer that takes care of all aspects of life, including reproduction. The citizens live a hedonistic lifestyle but, to prevent overpopulation, everyone must undergo the rite of "Carrousel" when they reach the age of 30. There, they are killed under the guise of being "renewed". To track this, each person is implanted at birth with a "life-clock" crystal in the palm of the left hand; this crystal changes color as they get older, and begins blinking as they approach their "Last Day". Most residents accept this alleged chance for rebirth, but those who do not and attempt to flee the city are known as "Runners". An elite team of huntsmen known as "Sandmen", outfitted in predominantly black uniforms, are assigned to pursue and terminate Runners as they try to escape.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan%27s_Run_(film)

[Fugazi]

While for most of us on here it is enjoyable, I think for an overwhelming number of people it is probably a very negative experience.

Life is a negative experience for many, doesn't mean we should end it.

I guess the issue is that in the UK, I imagine a lot more people don't gamble, than those that do. And even fewer have any understanding of how for some, it is a profession.

One day someone is going to be looking for an easy vote winner...

[Archery1969]

While for most of us on here it is enjoyable, I think for an overwhelming number of people it is probably a very negative experience.

Life is a negative experience for many, doesn't mean we should end it.

I guess the issue is that in the UK, I imagine a lot more people don't gamble, than those that do. And even fewer have any understanding of how for some, it is a profession.

One day someone is going to be looking for an easy vote winner...

Gambling in the UK and elsewhere has long been established with being a mug, downbeat, alcholic with an addiction. If you said to an MP or doctor that some people make an income from it then they would just laugh. But then, to be fair, you wont get a loan or mortgage at low rates if you said your income was purely from gambling associated activities. You probably wouldnt even get a credit card unless your Tony Bloom or Peter. Thats probably one reason why HMRC in the UK dont bother with people who make their income from gambling as they suspect most dont make a long term profit and it would be too much hassle to go after a relative few who do etc. Funny thing is, the IRS do in the USA.

[Michael5482]

While for most of us on here it is enjoyable, I think for an overwhelming number of people it is probably a very negative experience.

Life is a negative experience for many, doesn't mean we should end it.

I guess the issue is that in the UK, I imagine a lot more people don't gamble, than those that do. And even fewer have any understanding of how for some, it is a profession.

One day someone is going to be looking for an easy vote winner...

In 2023 48% of people in the UK gambled every month and the figure is holding up so far in 2024 (from Gambling Commission Stats).

Gambling is massive in the UK.

[Fugazi]

Life is a negative experience for many, doesn't mean we should end it.

I guess the issue is that in the UK, I imagine a lot more people don't gamble, than those that do. And even fewer have any understanding of how for some, it is a profession.

One day someone is going to be looking for an easy vote winner...

In 2023 48% of people in the UK gambled every month and the figure is holding up so far in 2024 (from Gambling Commission Stats).

Gambling is massive in the UK.

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

[jamesedwards]

I guess the issue is that in the UK, I imagine a lot more people don't gamble, than those that do. And even fewer have any understanding of how for some, it is a profession.

One day someone is going to be looking for an easy vote winner...

In 2023 48% of people in the UK gambled every month and the figure is holding up so far in 2024 (from Gambling Commission Stats).

Gambling is massive in the UK.

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

I suspect the majority of that will be lottery. It irritates me that the lottery will count as gambling when it suits the narrative but ignored when it doesn't. Case in point, the current gambling white paper where lottery is out of scope.

[jimibt]

In 2023 48% of people in the UK gambled every month and the figure is holding up so far in 2024 (from Gambling Commission Stats).

Gambling is massive in the UK.

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

I suspect the majority of that will be lottery. It irritates me that the lottery will count as gambling when it suits the narrative but ignored when it doesn't. Case in point, the current gambling white paper where lottery is out of scope.

i imagine it's out of scope due to it (the lottery) funding community programs whereas, gambling per se funds private bookies.

[greenmark]

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

I suspect the majority of that will be lottery. It irritates me that the lottery will count as gambling when it suits the narrative but ignored when it doesn't. Case in point, the current gambling white paper where lottery is out of scope.

i imagine it's out of scope due to it (the lottery) funding community programs whereas, gambling per se funds private bookies.

....and jim hits the bullseye.

[jamesedwards]

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

I suspect the majority of that will be lottery. It irritates me that the lottery will count as gambling when it suits the narrative but ignored when it doesn't. Case in point, the current gambling white paper where lottery is out of scope.

i imagine it's out of scope due to it (the lottery) funding community programs whereas, gambling per se funds private bookies.

Probably, but the motive is supposed to be protecting vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling. Not, "but let's ignore the biggest sector because it saves us having to properly fund good causes".

[conduirez]

From my understanding the tax Rachel (The granny slayer) Reeves was advised to increase, is the point of consumption tax, which bookmakers pay at 15%, by two left wing think tanks.

If she does increase this tax then there would be a knock on effect to Betfair users, as Flutter would be looking to keep their profits the same.

To retain their profits, they could, raise their commission rates, and or make changes to their premium charge structure.

Bookmakers who offer prices on events, such as Ladbrokes, would need of increase the overround figure on each of their books to retain profit.

Anyway, whatever tax the government may add, it is the punters who will always end up paying.

[Michael5482]

I guess the issue is that in the UK, I imagine a lot more people don't gamble, than those that do. And even fewer have any understanding of how for some, it is a profession.

One day someone is going to be looking for an easy vote winner...

In 2023 48% of people in the UK gambled every month and the figure is holding up so far in 2024 (from Gambling Commission Stats).

Gambling is massive in the UK.

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

Yes that is all forms of gambling including the lottery, but gambling is gambling no matter how you dress it up. The UK is the 2nd biggest gambling market in the world behind the US (and were not far behind them) Australia is 3rd.

https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/a ... d-research

[Michael5482]

In 2023 48% of people in the UK gambled every month and the figure is holding up so far in 2024 (from Gambling Commission Stats).

Gambling is massive in the UK.

Wow 48 percent. Would be curious to see how that survey was carried out. I mean the lottery probably forms a bit part of that.

I suspect the majority of that will be lottery. It irritates me that the lottery will count as gambling when it suits the narrative but ignored when it doesn't. Case in point, the current gambling white paper where lottery is out of scope.

Yes it includes the lottery, funny isn't it how they include and not include the lottery when it suits the narrative, what irritates me is the split between games of chance like the lottery, spins etc and skilled gambling that we never get see the data for (unless I've missed it somewhere) possibly because of what it may show.

[Michael5482]

From my understanding the tax Rachel (The granny slayer) Reeves was advised to increase, is the point of consumption tax, which bookmakers pay at 15%, by two left wing think tanks.

If she does increase this tax then there would be a knock on effect to Betfair users, as Flutter would be looking to keep their profits the same.

To retain their profits, they could, raise their commission rates, and or make changes to their premium charge structure.

Bookmakers who offer prices on events, such as Ladbrokes, would need of increase the overround figure on each of their books to retain profit.

Anyway, whatever tax the government may add, it is the punters who will always end up paying.

All here say I suppose but reckon they'll come for something but not the amounts reported.

https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain ... oa2B0xsfn/

[jamesedwards]

From my understanding the tax Rachel (The granny slayer) Reeves was advised to increase, is the point of consumption tax, which bookmakers pay at 15%, by two left wing think tanks.

If she does increase this tax then there would be a knock on effect to Betfair users, as Flutter would be looking to keep their profits the same.

To retain their profits, they could, raise their commission rates, and or make changes to their premium charge structure.

Bookmakers who offer prices on events, such as Ladbrokes, would need of increase the overround figure on each of their books to retain profit.

Anyway, whatever tax the government may add, it is the punters who will always end up paying.

All here say I suppose but reckon they'll come for something but not the amounts reported.

https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain ... oa2B0xsfn/

I'm not sure they will. They need to find so much money, they probably figure they're better off monumentally pissing off a small subset of 'voters' rather than marginally pissing off everyone.

I think there will be one or two big hits rather than death by 1000 cuts. I bet even now they don't know where to stick the pin. It just depends where you are on the wheel when it stops on Weds 30th.

[Michael5482]

From my understanding the tax Rachel (The granny slayer) Reeves was advised to increase, is the point of consumption tax, which bookmakers pay at 15%, by two left wing think tanks.

If she does increase this tax then there would be a knock on effect to Betfair users, as Flutter would be looking to keep their profits the same.

To retain their profits, they could, raise their commission rates, and or make changes to their premium charge structure.

Bookmakers who offer prices on events, such as Ladbrokes, would need of increase the overround figure on each of their books to retain profit.

Anyway, whatever tax the government may add, it is the punters who will always end up paying.

All here say I suppose but reckon they'll come for something but not the amounts reported.

https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain ... oa2B0xsfn/

I'm not sure they will. They need to find so much money, they probably figure they're better off monumentally pissing off a small subset of 'voters' rather than marginally pissing off everyone.

I think there will be one or two big hits rather than death by 1000 cuts. I bet even now they don't know where to stick the pin. It just depends where you are on the wheel when it stops on Weds 30th.

Labour have backed themselves into a very tight corner whatever they do and options are thin on the ground. Whatever they decide being polite I hope they f@ck off and leave gambling alone now it's all dragged on for far too long.