Gambling Commission Operating Licence fee changes proposed
New plans reduce overall fee burden on industry
Proposals to amend the fees paid by gambling operators to the Gambling Commission were set out today by John Penrose, Minister responsible for gambling policy and regulation.
The plans set out in a public consultation will see a reduction in annual fees for most non-remote operators, unchanged fees for around half of all operators, and a few operators, such as larger organisations in the betting sector, seeing an increase. Those who pay fees include casino operators, those who run bingo halls, adult gaming centres and bookmakers.
Minister for Tourism and Heritage John Penrose said:
It is entirely right that the cost of the Gambling Commission’s activities do not fall on the taxpayer, but are covered through licence fee income from the gambling industry. These proposals will actually deliver a net overall reduction in the fee burden on the industry, whilst allowing the Commission to recover its costs.
Under the plans a few larger organisations will pay more, to make sure small firms aren’t expected to subsidise bigger operators. Not increasing the fees for the largest operators would risk undermining the important work of the Gambling Commission in maintaining sports betting integrity and tackling problem gambling.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and closes on 15 December 2011.
Notes to Editors
- The Gambling Act 2005 gives the Secretary of State the power to make regulations setting fees to be paid to the Gambling Commission.
- The consultation document.
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