By Sarah Smithon Thursday, 26 Jul 2007 Gordon Brown has stated that the government is willing to meet with bingo bosses to discuss the levels of tax currently affecting the industry.
For some time now bingo operators have been complaining that the game effectively pays VAT twice, with the entrance fees of the players subject to taxation along with any gross profits made.
Such a policy puts bingo at an unfair advantage when competing with other forms of gambling and the industry is anxious to address this, particularly given the effect the recent smoking ban has had on player numbers and revenues.
Speaking to parliament, the prime minister said: "I can assure you that the chancellor of the exchequer will continue to look at these matters but I am also very happy to meet up to talk about it."
Currently, plans to open a new bingo hall at the Meridian Point in Cleethorpes are being debated by locals residents and authorities, with fans of the scheme pointing to the increased numbers of tourists a new gaming venue is likely to attract.
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