IBA welcome debate on Betting Tax The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has commented on the taxation reform proposals issued by Paddy Power bookmakers this week. Sharon Byrne, Chairperson of the IBA, stated: “The IBA has been calling for reform of the approach to taxation for Ireland’s racing and betting industry for some time. In our 2009 pre-budget submission a range of reforms relating to both taxation and non-taxation issues were outlined. These reforms were also recently presented by the IBA to the Oireachtas Committee examining these issues. “These latest proposals issued this week are therefore a welcome addition to the ongoing debate regarding the approach to taxation for Ireland’s racing and betting industry. The IBA believes that the Government should reform the approach to taxation in Ireland’s racing and betting sectors, and is in broad agreement with many of the proposals which are contained in the Paddy Power document. “The recession has had a severe impact on Ireland’s betting sector. Addressing taxation reform will underpin growth in the racing and betting sector for the future and that is in everyone’s interest. The IBA will be examining all of the proposals in detail to consider their full impact over the coming days.”
