Casino News: Concerns in discrepancies between online and land-based gaming

In a recent report published by the European Parliament, it was ruled that land-based and online betting and gaming are in direct competition with one another. If legislation favours one over the other, then that would amount to state aid.

Currently in the United Kingdom, the tax system favours online bingo clubs, online casinos, and online bookmakers. Here, low levels of employment are found, and alleged regulatory oversights. Their land-based equivalents have high levels of employment, and are highly regulated. This discrepancy is not just unfair, but potentially illegal.

It seems that Brussels requires member states to govern fairly in accordance with European law… but does it require them to govern ‘well’?

The unfairness has been made apparent recently several times, in reports to the Parliamentary Select Committee For Culture, Media, and Sport and it is apparent that the effect of gambling legislation in the United Kingdom has not delivered the economic benefits anticipated.

During these uncertain economic times, Britain's land-based gaming entertainment industry is in dire straits, at the moment when assistance is needed most. After all, it has the potential to boost employment, and contribute to the growth of the economy. This can only be achieved if the government ends the subsidies provided to its virtual counterparts, and synchronises the taxation of all forms of gambling. A harmonious, simple and fair system is required -- to do this would certainly result in positive economic benefits, greater investment and job creation.