Catherine Murphy
Question:231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the introduction of a tax on online gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38525/13]
View answerWednesday, 18 September 2013
Questions (231)
Written answers
The Finance Act 2011 provides for the taxation of bets that remote bookmakers enter into with persons in the State. This means, for example, that a business which engages in online bookmaking and which accepts bets from people in this country will be liable for betting duty on those bets, irrespective of where that business is based. The existing betting duty (1%) will be applied to such bets. The Finance Act also provides for the taxation of Betting Exchanges under the new arrangements. However, the calculation of the tax will take account of their particular business model. In other words, a 15% tax on the commission will be charged. In addition, excise duties are being applied to the granting and renewal of remote bookmakers' and remote betting intermediaries' licences. The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013, which will establish the regulatory framework for the licensing regime, was published in July. The Deputy will be aware that under the EU Technical Standards and Regulations Directive it was necessary to show the published Bill to the EU Commission and other Member States, which will take three months for clearance. This standstill period ends next month after which I hope to progress the Bill through the Dáil subject to scheduling agreement between the Whips. The tax changes provided for in the Finance Act can only be implemented once the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 is enacted.