Tax could return in British shops

British punters may be forced to accept the reintroduction of a betting tax only months after the withdrawal of General Betting Duty.

That was the stark message delivered by bookmakers` representatives at a meeting of the British Betting Offices` Association held in London today.

Keith Brown, the chairman of the Racecourse Association and a member of the British Horseracing Board, gave a presentation to bookmakers over the future of racing.

When questioned at the end as to the financial implications of the BHB`s new commercial pricing mechanism, he was forced to admit that bookmakers might be forced to re-introduce a tax on punters if the proposed new charges - due to be introduced from May 1st for any bookmaker who accepts bets on British racing - are to be met.

John Brown, the chairman of William Hill, asked the RCA boss whether he accepted that bookmakers would be forced into the creation of a new tax for punters to pay for the increased charges, which are due to replace the old Levy system.

Keith Brown replied: 'Everything has got to be paid for at the end of the day.

'Betting is immensely important as a source of income for both of us (the racing and betting industries). This is a charge on business which has got to be met.

'This is a challenge that you have to meet and the way to do that is by increasing your margins - it is a question of how much you charge.'

William Hill`s chairman countered: 'The word you are looking for is yes.'

The discussion came at the end of a presentation in which the RCA chairman had stressed the importance of unity to maintain the reputation of the industry as a whole.

The BBOA seminar attracted nearly all of the leading industry figures, including senior management from all of the major bookmakers and outspoken Channel 4 personality John McCririck.

Due to speak in the afternoon were Nigel Smith, the BHB`s newly-appointed managing director, and Richard Caborn, the Government`s Minister for Sport.