No Change To Bingo Tax Ruling

Despite numerous attempts by bingo protesters, it seems that the Treasury is adamant that the bingo tax rule will remain at 22 per cent for good. This year has seen frequent protests by disappointed bingo fans that have gone to enormous lengths to stop the decision or have it reversed. The Treasury's secretary Sarah McCarthy-Fry has said that the bingo industry was fully considered before the final decision was made.

Former Treasury Minister Yvette Cooper was the one who deliberated the ruling when the change was implemented to change the bingo tax from 15 per cent to 22 per cent. In a recent letter to Cooper, McCarthy-Fry said that there was no 'intended consequence' regarding the final decision. The result of the substantial rise has caused hundreds of bingo halls to close within the past twelve months and it appears that others are struggling financially and are also facing closure.

The Government believes that the new bingo tax change will improve the industry financially. However, more and more bingo halls begin to suffer. Closure of clubs means further unemployment and a decline in social activity. An increase in the closure of bingo halls was apparent before the ruling because the smoking ban forced numerous bingo lovers to stay at home, rather than continue their regular visits to the bingo halls. Now, with the current economic climate, things seem to be getting worse because people cannot afford to socialize and play bingo anymore, especially with the tax ruling making the game more expensive to play.

On the flip side, it is the online bingo industry that is reaping the benefits of the changes. More and more bingo players are finding that playing online bingo from the comfort of their own homes is less expensive and more enjoyable. On a social level, there are various chat rooms offered by the online bingo sites which allow players' to chat to other players whilst enjoying the game. The prizes offered by online bingo are just as rewarding as those handed out in the bingo halls, some cash prizes running into the thousands. If you fancy trying online bingo then there are some popular sites , which offer great promotions, such as Wink Bingo, 888ladies, and Foxy Bingo to name a few.