New casino rates may deter international investors
Gambling experts are predicting that the new levels of gambling duty tax revealed in yesterday's budget would deter any major operators from the US or South Africa from bidding to run the UK's 17 new casinos. Gordon Brown increased the lowest rate of tax on winnings in casinos to 15 per cent, with the top rate rising from 40 to 50 per cent.
Budget gives green light for implementation of £35 jackpot
The UK AWP market has been given a welcome shot in the arm thanks to Gordon Brown's 2007 Budget. A realignment of Amusement Machine Licence Duty (AMLD) banding has seen the new £35 AWP jackpot brought into line with the existing Category C classification, while existing duty rates have been frozen. The Budget was less kind, however, to remote gaming, which had its tax rate set at 15 per cent - the same rate as gross profits tax payable by UK-based bookmakers - and the bingo sector which had argued a strong case for the removal of VAT on participation fees. Industry feedback has been understandably varied in tone.
Lords highlights regional flaws
The House of Lords' Merits of Statutory Instruments Commission has warned that the government's proposals to allow a new regional casino in Manchester may fail to provide an accurate assessment of the social impact of that casino. The Committee points to a paragraph in the Casino Advisory Panel's own report which says that it would be extremely difficult to trace the social impact of a new casino in such a large city region. For the full article, read this week's Coinslot out today (Thursday).
MPs say government 'failing' businesses at the coast
The government has been severely criticised by a select committee of MPs for failing to meet the needs of coastal communities. The Communities and Local Government Committee's report into Coastal Towns has told government that it needs a greater understanding and appreciation of the issues faced by communities by the sea. The full report is available in this week's Coinslot, published today (Thursday).
Commission steps up proceedings against discriminatory states
The European Commission has launched the second stage of legal proceedings against Denmark, Finland and Hungary over what it sees as measures to restrict the free movement of sports betting services. It has demanded, in the form of 'reasoned opinion', that the EU member states amend their laws, after calling them unnecessary and discriminatory.
Treasury concerned about Tote sale
The UK Treasury is reported to have serious reservations about the level of debt concerned with the sale of the state-owned Tote, despite DCMS approval for the Racing Consortium's £400 million bid. Treasury officials refused to sign off on the sale ahead of Gordon Brown's budget, after a number of officials expressed concerns that any post-sale financial difficulties would embarrass the next Prime Minister.
Sportingbet and NETeller sign US solutions
Gaming firm Sportingbet said that it had reached an 'amicable solution' with Louisiana's district attorney, adding that all related warrants issued by state police had been cancelled with immediate effect. In further news, payment processing firm NETeller has signed an agreement with the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York outlining terms and a timeline for the transfer of funds back to its US customers.
Noble appeals casino decision
The Noble Organisation has appealed against a decision by Blackpool town council who in 2006 refused planning permission for a three-storey gaming venue on the promenade. The scheme was initially rejected due to fears that it could jeopardise Blackpool's bid for the super-casino licence and 'open the floodgates' to more small casino applications.
Jowell confirms lottery figures for Olympics
Tessa Jowell said that the National Lottery would account for an extra £675 million of the London 2012 Olympic's spiralling costs, bringing its total contribution to £2.2 billion. The Culture Secretary added that the decision was taken after very careful consideration and assured the temporary diversion would be done with the 'least possible disruption'.
Microgaming hires Elliot
NETeller's ex-vice president of sales and marketing Bruce Elliot has joined Microgaming as its new head of business development and marketing, effective immediately. Prior to a four year stint with payment provider NETeller, over which period the company grew its staff from 75 to over 800, Elliot worked for GE Capital in sales and marketing.
Goicoa joins Namco Bandai sales team
Namco Europe has appointed Julian Goicoa as international business development manager. Goicoa will have specific responsibilities for sales of amusement machines across the Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese and African markets.
Google buys in-game ad firm
Search engine Google has completed the buyout of San Francisco-based in-game marketer Adscape for an estimated $23 million. Google did not comment what future plans were for the company, but sources believe that it would be integrating its own advertising into video games.
SAM parent ceases trading
Gary Drage, managing director of cue sport and air hockey supplier SAM Leisure, has announced that the company has undergone a major internal restructuring resulting in the dissolution of parent firm SLP Properties. He said that the move had been necessary in order to take the company forward and properly develop its potential. The full story appears in this week's Coinslot.
Great support for the inaugural BetMarkets conference
The first BetMarkets conference, taking place in Vienna next week, now has almost 200 confirmed attendees from some of the largest global sports betting operators. Keynote speach will be given by Jean Bergevin from the European Commission.
Littlehampton to host seaside conference
Littlehampton is to host a national conference about outstanding design in seaside regeneration on 26 March. Shifting Sands 2 will focus on current seaside projects and the impact they have on the economy, quality of life and regeneration of coastal towns.
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