Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981

1981 CHAPTER 63

An Act to consolidate certain enactments concerning the duties of excise relating to betting and gaming.

[30th October 1981]

Part I U.K. Betting Duties

General betting duty U.K.

F1 1 The duty U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 2 Bookmakers: general bets U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 3 Bookmakers: spread bets U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 4 Pool betting on horse and dog races U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 5 Net stake receipts U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 5AA Relief for losses U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 5AB Betting exchanges U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

5A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

F2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 5A repealed (with application as mentioned in s. 6(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), ss. 6(4), 216, Sch. 43 Pt. 1(1)

F1 5B Liability to pay U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 5C Bet-brokers U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 5D Accounting period U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 5E Double taxation relief U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

Pool betting duty U.K.

F1 6 The duty U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7 Duty charged on net pool betting receipts U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7ZA Relief for losses U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7A Calculating net pool betting receipts U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7B Net pool betting receipts: meaning of “dutiable pool bet” U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7C Net pool betting receipts: calculating stake money U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7D Net pool betting receipts: when stakes etc fall due U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7E Net pool betting receipts: expenses and profits U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 7F Net pool betting receipts: calculating winnings U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 8 Payment and recovery U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 8ZA Double taxation relief U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 8A Meaning of “bet made for community benefit" in sections 6 to 8 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 8B Meaning of “accounting period" in sections 6 to 8 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 8C Meaning of “bet" in sections 6 to 8A U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

General U.K.

9 Prohibitions for protection of revenue. U.K.

F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 Ss. 9-9B repealed (1.9.2007) by Gambling Act 2005 (c. 19), ss. 340, 356, 358, Sch. 17 (with ss. 352, 354); S.I. 2006/3272, art. 2(4) (subject to arts. 3-5) (with transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 4)

9A Further prohibitions for protection of revenue: overseas bet-brokers U.K.

F4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F4 Ss. 9-9B repealed (1.9.2007) by Gambling Act 2005 (c. 19), ss. 340, 356, 358, Sch. 17 (with ss. 352, 354); S.I. 2006/3272, art. 2(4) (subject to arts. 3-5) (with transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 4)

9B Offences under sections 9 and 9A: penalties U.K.

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5 Ss. 9-9B repealed (1.9.2007) by Gambling Act 2005 (c. 19), ss. 340, 356, 358, Sch. 17 (with ss. 352, 354); S.I. 2006/3272, art. 2(4) (subject to arts. 3-5) (with transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 4)

F1 10 Definition of pool betting. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

F1 10A Definition of qualifying foreign tax U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

11 Definition of coupon betting. U.K.

F6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 11 repealed (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 8, Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F1 12 Supplementary provisions. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1-12 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 2 (with Sch. 29)

Part II U.K. Gaming Duties

Gaming licence duty U.K.

F7 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 13 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2 (with s. 10).

F8 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 14 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F9 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 15 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F10 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 16 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F11 ... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 17 cross-heading omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(b)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 17 Bingo duty U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 18 Accounting period U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 19 Bingo receipts U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 20 Expenditure on bingo winnings U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 20A Combined bingo U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 20B Carrying losses forward U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

F12 20C Supplementary U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 17-20C omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

Gaming machine licence duty U.K.

F13 21 Gaming machine licence duty. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F14 21A.— . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 21A repealed (1.5.1995) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 3(3)(11), Sch. 26 Pt. II Note.

F13 22 Gaming machine licence duty. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F13 23 Amount of duty. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F13 24 Restrictions on provision of gaming machines. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F13 24A Unlicensed machines: duty chargeable. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F13 25 Meaning of “gaming machine”. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

25A Power to modify definition of “amusement machine”. U.K.

F15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 25A repealed (with effect as mentioned in s. 12(8) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), ss. 12(5), 178, Sch. 26 Pt. 1(2) (with s. 12(9)-(11))

F13 26 Supplementary provisions as to gaming machine licence duty. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21-26 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(a) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

Remote gaming duty U.K.

F16 26A Interpretation U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26B The duty U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26C The rate U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26D Accounting periods U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26E Remote gaming receipts U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26F Remote gaming winnings U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26G Losses U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26H Exemptions U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26I Liability to pay U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26IA Double taxation relief U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26IB Definition of qualifying foreign tax U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26IC Regulations about claims for double taxation relief U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26J Registration U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26K Returns U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26L Enforcement U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

F16 26M Review and appeal U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 26A-26M omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 4 (with Sch. 29)

[F17 General] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F17 Cross-heading preceding s. 26N inserted (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

[F18 [F19 26N] Amounts in currencies other than sterling U.K.

(1) Any reference in this Part of this Act to a amount in sterling, in the context of—

(a) the cost of playing a game, or

(b) the amount of the prize for a game,

includes a reference to the equivalent amount in another currency.

(2) The equivalent amount in another currency, in relation to any day, shall be determined by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the previous day.

F20 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F20 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ]

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 26A inserted (10.7.2003) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 11(2) (with s. 11(3))

F19 S. 26N: renumbered (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 1; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

F20 S. 26N(3)(4) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(c) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

Part III U.K. General

27 Offences by bodies corporate. U.K.

—Where an offence under [F21 F22 ... paragraph 16 of Schedule 3] to this Act has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the date of the commission of the offence was a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence unless he proves—

(a) that the offence was committed without his consent or connivance, and

(b) that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and in all the circumstances.

Extent Information

E1 S. 27 as originally enacted did not extend to Northern Ireland; s. 27 extended to Northern Ireland by 1986 c. 41, s. 6, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 10 except in its application to enactments relating to gaming machine licences see s. 35(3) (which subsection was repealed (29.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2).

Textual Amendments

F21 Words in s. 27 substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 54(2) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F22 Words in s. 27 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 5 (with Sch. 29)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 27 extended (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(1), 15, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 12(4).

C2 S. 27 applied (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 37(5)

F23 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+N.I.

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 28 repealed (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. V(2) Note; S.I. 1997/1433, art. 2.

F24 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 29 repealed (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. V(2) Note; S.I. 1997/1433, art. 2.

[F25 29A Evidence by certificate, etc. U.K.

(1) A certificate of the Commissioners—

(a) that any notice required by or under this Act to be given to them had or had not been given at any date, or

(b) that any permit, licence or authority required by or under this Act had or had not been issued at any date, or

(c) that any return required by or under this Act had not been made at any date, or

(d) that any duty shown as due in any return [F26 made in pursuance of this Act or in any assessment made under section 12 of the Finance Act 1994] had not been paid at any date,

shall be sufficient evidence of that fact until the contrary is proved.

(2) A photograph of any document furnished to the Commissioners for the purposes of this Act and certified by them to be such a photograph shall be admissible in any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, to the same extent as the document itself.

(3) Any document purporting to be a certificate under subsection (1) or (2) above shall be deemed to be such a certificate until the contrary is proved.]

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 29A inserted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 7

F26 Words in s. 29A(1)(d) substituted (1.1.1995) by 1994 c. 9, s. 18(5) (with s. 19(3)), S.I. 1994/2679, art. 3.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 29A applied (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(1), 15, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 15.

30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F27 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 30 repealed by Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 66), s. 235, Sch. 10 Pt. IV and Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66, SIF 66), s. 78, Sch. 8

F28 31 Protection of officers. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 S. 31 omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(a)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

32 Orders and regulations. U.K.

(1) Any power conferred by any provision of this Act to make an order or regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) F29 . . ., any statutory instrument made under any power conferred by this Act shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Commons.

[F30 (3) But in the case of an order under section 26H(4) which has the effect of adding to the class of activities in respect of which remote gaming duty is chargeable—

(a) subsection (2) above shall not apply, and

(b) the order may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of the House of Commons.]

F29 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 32(3) and words in s.32(2) repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F30 "After subsection (2)" s. 32(3) inserted (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 5; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

[F31 32A Application to limited liability partnerships U.K.

(1) This Act applies to limited liability partnerships as it applies to companies.

(2) In its application to a limited liability partnership, references to a director of a company are references to a member of the limited liability partnership.]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 32A inserted (N.I.) (13.9.2004) by Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. 2004/307), reg. 9, Sch. 4 para. 8

33 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act—

• “the Commissioners” means the Commissioners of Customs and Excise;

• [F32 “foreign tax” means a tax, including any sort of duty or levy, imposed in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom (see also subsection (1B));]

• [F33 “gaming” means playing a game of chance for a prize F34 ... ; ]

• “the prescribed sum” in relation to the penalty provided for an offence, means—

  (a)

  if the offence was committed in England or Wales, the prescribed sum within the meaning of section 32 of the M1 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (£1,000 or other sum substituted by order under section 143(1) of that Act); and

  (b)

  if the offence was committed in Scotland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of [F35 subsection (8) of section 225 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (£5,000 or other sum substituted by order under subsection (4) of that section)] [F36 and

  (c)

  if the offence was committed in Northern Ireland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of Article 4 of the M2 Fines and Penalties (Northern Ireland) Order 1984. ]

[F37 (1A) In the definition of “gaming” in subsection (1)—

(a) “game of chance” has the meaning given by section 6(2) of the Gambling Act 2005,

(b) “playing a game of chance” is to be read in accordance with section 6(3) of that Act, and

(c) “prize” does not include the opportunity to play the game again.]

[F38 (1B) A reference in this Act to a foreign tax does not include any penalty, interest, surcharge or other such cost arising in connection with the tax (whether or not recoverable as if it were that tax).]

(2) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the imposition by this Act of general betting duty, pool betting duty, bingo duty [F39 or remote gaming duty] does not make lawful anything which is unlawful apart from this Act.

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in s. 33(1) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 25 para. 12 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 25 para. 6(a)

F33 S. 33(1): definition of "gaming" substituted (1.9.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 105, Sch. 25 paras. 10, 23; S.I. 2007/2532, art. 2

F34 Words in s. 33(1) omitted (21.7.2009) by virtue of Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), s. 116(6)(a)

F35 Words in s. 33(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, s. 5, Sch. 4 para. 38.

F36 S. 33(1)(c) and the word “and” preceding it inserted by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 7

F37 S. 33(1A) inserted (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), s. 116(6)(b)

F38 S. 33(1B) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 25 para. 12 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 25 para. 6(b)

F39 Words in s. 33(2) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 54(4) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

Marginal Citations

M1 1980 c. 43(82).

M2 S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3).

34 Consequential and transitional provisions and repeals. U.K.

(1) Schedule 5 (consequential amendments) and Schedule 6 (transitional and saving provisions) to this Act shall have effect, but without prejudice to the operation of sections 15 to 17 of the M3 Interpretation Act 1978 (which relate to the effect of repeals).

(2) The enactments specified in Schedule 7 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in the third column of that Schedule

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 The text of s. 34(2) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M3 1978 c. 30(115:1).

35 Short title, construction, commencement and extent. U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981.

(2) This Act shall be construed as one with the M4 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

[F40 (3) The following provisions of this Act do not extend to Northern Ireland—

F41 (a) . . .

(b) sections 29 and 30;

F41 (c) . . .

(d) paragraph 15 of Schedule 4;

F42 . . .]

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F43

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 35(3) substituted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 10

F41 S. 35(3)(a)(c) repealed (19.3.1997 with effect on 1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F42 Words after s. 35(3)(d) repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F43 S. 35(4) repealed by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), ss. 6, 114(6), Sch. 4 para. 10(2), Sch. 23 Pt. III, notes (a), (b)

Marginal Citations

M4 1979 c. 2(40:1).

SCHEDULES

F44 SCHEDULE A1 U.K. Betting duties: double taxation relief

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F44 Sch. A1 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 7 (with Sch. 29)

Section 12(2).

F45 SCHEDULE 1 U.K. Betting duties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45 Sch. 1 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 8 (with Sch. 29)

Sections 13(2), 14(1) and 16.

F46 SCHEDULE 2 U.K. Gaming Licence Duty

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F46 Sch. 2 repealed (with effect in relation to any gaming on or after 1.10.1997) by Finance Act 1997 (c. 16), s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2 (with s. 10)

Sections 17(1) and 20.

F47 SCHEDULE 3 U.K. Bingo Duty

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F47 Sch. 3 omitted (1.4.2026) by virtue of Finance Act 2026 (c. 11), s. 88(1)(c)(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 21)

Sections 21(1), 24(1) and 26.

F48 SCHEDULE 4 U.K. Amusement Machine Licence duty

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F48 Sch. 4 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(d) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F49 Schedule 4A U.K. Unlicensed amusement machines

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F49 Sch. 4A omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(d) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F50 SCHEDULE 4B U.K. Remote gaming duty: double taxation relief

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F50 Sch. 4B omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 9 (with Sch. 29)

section 34(1)

X1 SCHEDULE 5 U.K. Consequential Amendments

Editorial Information

X1 The text of Sch. 5 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

1 U.K. In the definition of “pool betting” in section 55(1) of the M5 Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, for the words “the Betting Duties Act 1972” there shall be substituted the words “ the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ”.

Marginal Citations

M5 1963 c. 2.

2 U.K. In paragraph 20(1)(e) of Schedule 2 to the M6 Gaming Act 1968, after the words “Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972” there shall be inserted the words “ or section 14 of or Schedule 2 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ” ; and the same amendment shall be made in paragraph 60(c) of Schedule 2, paragraph 9(e) of Schedule 3 and paragraph 11(e) of Schedule 4 to that Act.

Marginal Citations

M6 1968 c. 65.

3 U.K. In paragraph 48(1) of Schedule 2 to the Gaming Act 1968 for the words from “paragraph 12” to “and the Commissioners” there shall be substituted the words “ Section 15 or 24 of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 or paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 or paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to that Act (or under corresponding provisions of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or the corresponding provisions of the enactments consolidated by that Act) and the Commissioners ”.

4 U.K. In paragraph 17(1) of Schedule 3 and paragraph 15(1) of Schedule 4 to the Gaming Act 1968 for the words from “paragraph 15” to “in relation to premises” there shall be substituted the words “ section 24 of paragraph 24 of paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 (or under the corresponding provisions of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or the corresponding provisions of the enactments consolidated by that Act) in relation to premises ”.

5 U.K. In the M7 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979—

(a) in section 1(1) in the definition of “the revenue trade provisions of the customs and excise Acts” for the words “the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972” there shall be substituted the words “ the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ” ; and

(b) in section 156(1) for the words from “means” to “all other provisions” there shall be substituted the words “ means the provisions ” ; and at the end there shall be inserted the words “ or the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ”.

Marginal Citations

M7 1979 c. 2.

Section 34(1).

SCHEDULE 6 U.K. Transitional Provisions and Savings

1 U.K. Where any period of time specified in an enactment repealed by this Act is current at the commencement of this Act, this Act shall have effect as if the corresponding provision of this Act had been in force when that period began to run.

2 U.K. Any provision of this Act relating to anything done or required or authorised to be done under or by reference to that provision or any other provision of this Act shall have effect as if any reference to that provision, or that other provision, as the case may be, included a reference to the corresponding provision of the enactments repealed by this Act and, where the corresponding provision is a provision of the M8 Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972, to the corresponding provision of the enactments repealed by that Act.

Marginal Citations

M8 1972 c. 25.

3 U.K. Nothing in this Act shall affect the enactments repealed by this Act in their operation in relation to offences committed before the commencement of this Act.

4 U.K. Where an offence for the continuation of which a penalty was provided has been committed under an enactment repealed by the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or by this Act, proceedings may be taken under this Act in respect of the continuance of the offence after the commencement of this Act in the same manner as if the offence had been committed under the corresponding provision of this Act.

5 U.K. [F51 For the purposes of section 9B] of this Act a conviction for an offence under section 5 of the M9 Finance Act 1952, section 2 of the M10 Betting Duties Act 1963 (either as originally enacted or as subsequently amended) or section 9 of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 shall be deemed to have been a conviction for an offence under section 9 of this Act.

Textual Amendments

F51 Words in Sch. 6 para. 5 substituted (24.7.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 14(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 14(4)

Marginal Citations

M9 1952 c. 33.

M10 1963 c. 3.

6 U.K. Paragraph 11(3) of Schedule 4 to this Act shall have effect in relation to an offence under paragraph 22 of Schedule 11 to the M11 Finance Act 1969 in respect of a contravention of section 5(11) of that Act (either as originally enacted or as subsequently amended) and to an offence under paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 in respect of a contravention of section 25 of that Act as it has effect in relation to an offence under section 24 of this Act in respect of a contravention of that section.

Marginal Citations

M11 1969 c. 32.

7 U.K. Where any Act or document refers either expressly or by implication to an enactment repealed by the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or this Act, the reference shall, except where the context otherwise requires, be construed as, or as including—

(a) in the case of enactments repealed by the said Act of 1972, the corresponding provisions of that Act and this Act; and

(b) in the case of enactments repealed by this Act, the corresponding provisions of this Act.

8 U.K. Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 29 of and paragraphs 2 to 5 of Schedule 5 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972, the amendments made by those paragraphs shall continue to have effect but subject to any modification made by Schedule 5 to this Act.

9 U.K. Nothing in this Act shall affect gaming licences for periods beginning before 1st October 1981.

Section 34(2).

X2 SCHEDULE 7 U.K. Repeals

Editorial Information

X2 The text of Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Chapter	Short title	Extent of Repeal
1972 c. 25.	The Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972.	The whole Act.
1972 c. 41.	The Finance Act 1972.	Section 58.
1972 c. 69.	The Horserace Totalisor and Betting Levy Boards Act 1972.	Section 1(6).
1974 c. 30.	The Finance Act 1974.	Section 2(2), as respects England, Wales and Scotland.
1975 c. 45.	The Finance (No. 2) Act 1975.	Sections 3 and 4.
1976 c. 32.	The Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.	In Schedule 4, paragraph 8.
1979 c. 2.	The Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.	In Schedule 4, in paragraph 12, in Part I of the Table, the entries relating to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972.
1980 c. 48.	The Finance Act 1980.	Sections 6 and 7(1).
		Schedule 5 and Part I of Schedule 6.
1981 c. 35.	The Finance Act 1981.	In section 9, in subsection (1) the words from “section 1(2)(b)” to “and”, subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (7) and in subsection (8) the words from “subsections (2)” to “subsections (5)”.
		Schedule 5.