Section 60: Rates of Gaming Duty
Summary
1.This section increases the gross gaming yield (GGY) bands for gaming duty in line with inflation for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2015.
Details of the Section
2.Subsection (1) substitutes a new table for the existing table in section 11 (2) of the Finance Act 1997, which has the effect of increasing the gross gaming yield bands for gaming duty.
3.Subsection (2) provides for this change to have effect for accounting periods on or after 1 April 2015.
Background Note
4.Gaming Duty is charged on any premises in the UK where dutiable gaming takes place. Dutiable gaming includes the playing of casino games such as roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. The amount of duty is calculated by reference to bands of GGY (i.e. gross profits) for that accounting period. For example, duty will be paid at a rate of 15% on the first £2,347,500 of GGY, then 20% for the next £1,618,000 of GGY, and so on. Gaming Duty is charged on premises in respect of accounting periods of six months, normally beginning on 1 April and 1 October, with an interim payment which is calculated and due after three months.
5.The change made by this measure increases the GGY bands but makes no changes to the rates. This ensures that casino operators’ profits are not subject to the higher gaming duty bands simply as a result of inflation. There is therefore no duty increase in real terms. The basis of revalorisation of the bands is the Retail Price Index (RPI) for the year ended 31 December 2014. In this case the RPI was calculated at 1.97%.
