Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981

1981 c. 63

An Act to consolidate certain enactments concerning the duties of excise relating to betting and gaming.

Part I Betting Duties

General betting duty

F811 The duty

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F812 Bookmakers: general bets

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F813 Bookmakers: spread bets

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F814Pool betting on horse and dog races

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F815 Net stake receipts

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F815AARelief for losses

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F815ABBetting exchanges

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5A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F815B Liability to pay

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F815C Bet-brokers

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F815D Accounting period

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F815EDouble taxation relief

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Pool betting duty

F816 The duty

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F817 Duty charged on net pool betting receipts

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F817ZARelief for losses

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F817A Calculating net pool betting receipts

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F817B Net pool betting receipts: meaning of “dutiable pool bet”

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F817C Net pool betting receipts: calculating stake money

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F817D Net pool betting receipts: when stakes etc fall due

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F817E Net pool betting receipts: expenses and profits

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F817F Net pool betting receipts: calculating winnings

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F818 Payment and recovery

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F818ZADouble taxation relief

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F818A Meaning of “bet made for community benefit" in sections 6 to 8

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F818B Meaning of “accounting period" in sections 6 to 8

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F818C Meaning of “bet" in sections 6 to 8A

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General

9 Prohibitions for protection of revenue.

F2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9A Further prohibitions for protection of revenue: overseas bet-brokers

F3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9B Offences under sections 9 and 9A: penalties

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F8110 Definition of pool betting.

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F8110ADefinition of qualifying foreign tax

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11 Definition of coupon betting.

F5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8112 Supplementary provisions.

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Part II Gaming Duties

Gaming licence duty

F613. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F714. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F815. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F916. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bingo duty

17F13Bingo duty

1

A duty of excise, to be known as bingo duty, shall be charged—

a

on the playing of bingo in the United Kingdom, and

b

at the rate of F7610 per cent of a person’s bingo promotion profits for an accounting period.

2

Subsection (1) is subject to the exemptions specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3 to this Act.

F832A

Bingo duty is not charged on the playing of a game of bingo which is not licensed bingo if every person playing the game participates by the use of—

a

the internet,

b

telephone,

c

television,

d

radio, or

e

any other kind of electronic or other technology for facilitating communication.

3

The amount of a person’s bingo promotion profits for an accounting period is—

a

the amount of the person’s bingo receipts for the period (calculated in accordance with section 19), minus

b

the amount of his expenditure on bingo winnings for the period (calculated in accordance with section 20).

4

Bingo duty charged in respect of a person’s bingo promotion profits shall be paid by him.

5

Where the amount that would be charged in respect of a person’s bingo promotion profits for an accounting period is less than £1, no duty shall be charged.

18Accounting period

1

For the purposes of section 17 an accounting period ends, and another begins, at the end of the last Sunday in each calendar month.

2

But regulations under paragraph 9 of Schedule 3 to this Act may make provision in place of subsection (1) for the purposes of the application of section 17 to specified persons or in specified circumstances.

3

Regulations made by virtue of subsection (2) may make transitional provision.

19Bingo receipts

1

A person has bingo receipts for an accounting period if payments fall due in the period in respect of entitlement to participate in bingo promoted by him.

2

The amount of the person’s bingo receipts for the accounting period is the aggregate of those payments.

3

For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2)—

a

an amount in respect of entitlement to participate in a game of bingo is to be treated as falling due in the accounting period in which the game is played,

F60b

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c

it is immaterial whether an amount falls due to be paid to the promoter or to another person,

d

it is immaterial whether an amount is described as a fee for participation, as a stake, or partly as one and partly as the other, and

e

where a sum is paid partly in respect of entitlement to participate in a game of bingo and partly in respect of another matter—

i

such part of the sum as is applied to, or properly attributable to, entitlement to participate in the game shall be treated as an amount falling due in respect of entitlement to participate in the game, and

ii

the remainder shall be disregarded.

20Expenditure on bingo winnings

1

A person’s expenditure on bingo winnings for an accounting period is the aggregate of the values of prizes provided by him in that period by way of winnings at bingo promoted by him.

C12

Where a prize is obtained by the promoter from a person not connected with him, the cost to the promoter shall be treated as the value of the prize for the purpose of subsection (1).

C13

Where a prize is a voucher which—

a

may be used in place of money as whole or partial payment for benefits of a specified kind obtained from a specified person,

b

specifies an amount as the sum or maximum sum in place of which the voucher may be used, and

c

does not fall within subsection (2),

the specified amount is the value of the voucher for the purpose of subsection (1).

C14

Where a prize is a voucher (whether or not it falls within subsection (2)) it shall be treated as having no value for the purpose of subsection (1) if—

a

it does not satisfy subsection (3)(a) and (b), or

b

its use as described in subsection (3)(a) is subject to a specified restriction, condition or limitation which may make the value of the voucher to the recipient significantly less than the amount mentioned in subsection (3)(b).

C15

In the case of a prize which—

a

is neither money nor a voucher, and

b

does not fall within subsection (2),

the value of the prize for the purpose of subsection (1) is—

i

the amount which the prize would cost the promoter if obtained from a person not connected with him, or

ii

where no amount can reasonably be determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (i), nil.

6

For the purpose of this section—

C1a

a reference to connection between two persons shall be construed in accordance with F65section 1122 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (connected persons), and

b

an amount paid by way of value added tax on the acquisition of a thing shall be treated as part of its cost (irrespective of whether or not the amount is taken into account for the purpose of a credit or refund).

20ACombined bingo

1

A game of bingo is “combined bingo” if—

a

F10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b

it is played in more than one place and promoted by more than one person.

2

Payments made in respect of entitlement to participate in combined bingo shall be treated for the purposes of section 19(1) as bingo receipts only of the first promoter to whom (or at whose direction) they are paid.

3

F74Where money representing such payments (so far as they constituted stakes hazarded in the combined bingo) is paid in an accounting period by one promoter of the bingo (“the first promoter”) to another (“the second promoter”), to the extent that the money is used (directly or indirectly) to provide bingo winnings for combined bingo promoted by the second promoter—

a

the money shall not be treated as a bingo receipt of the second promoter for the purposes of section 19(1),

b

the payment shall be treated as expenditure of the first promoter on bingo winnings for the accounting period for the purposes of section 20(1), and

c

no subsequent payment of all or part of the money shall be treated as expenditure on bingo winnings for the purposes of section 20(1) (whether paid by the second promoter to another person, by the first promoter having received it from the second promoter, or otherwise).

F754

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20BCarrying losses forward

1

Where the calculation of a person’s bingo promotion profits for an accounting period results in a negative amount (“the loss”)—

a

no bingo duty shall be chargeable in respect of that accounting period, and

b

for the purpose of section 17(3), the amount of the person’s expenditure on bingo winnings for the next accounting period shall be increased by the amount of the loss.

2

Subsection (1) applies to an accounting period whether or not the loss results wholly or partly from the previous application of that subsection.

20CSupplementary

1

Part 2 of Schedule 3 to this Act (bingo duty: supplementary) shall have effect.

2

In sections 17 to 20B above, this section and Schedule 3—

  • bingo” includes any version of that game, whatever name it is called,

  • F11bingo premises licence” has the same meaning as in Part 8 of the Gambling Act 2005 (see section 150(1)(b)),

  • F12“licensed bingo”—

    1. a

      in Great Britain, means bingo played at premises licensed under a bingo premises licence, and

    2. b

      in Northern Ireland, means bingo played at premises licensed under Chapter 2 of Part 3 of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985,

  • prize” means anything won at bingo, and

  • United Kingdom” includes the territorial sea of the United Kingdom.

3

For the purposes of those provisions, except in relation to combined bingo, the promoter of a game of bingo is—

a

in the case of licensed bingo, the holder of the licence, and

b

in the case of non-licensed bingo, the person who provides the facilities for the game.

4

For the purposes of those provisions in relation to combined bingo a person promotes a game of bingo if he is wholly or partly responsible for organising it or for providing facilities for it.

5

In those provisions a reference to entitlement to participate in a game of bingo includes a reference to an opportunity to participate in a game of bingo in respect of which a charge is made (whether by way of a fee for participation, a stake, or both).

6

In proceedings relating to bingo duty under the customs and excise Acts an averment in any process that a particular game is a version of bingo shall, until the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence that it is.

Gaming machine licence duty

F6621 Gaming machine licence duty.

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F1421A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6622 Gaming machine licence duty.

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F66 23 Amount of duty.

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F6624 Restrictions on provision of gaming machines.

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F6624A Unlicensed machines: duty chargeable.

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F6625 Meaning of “gaming machine”.

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25A Power to modify definition of “amusement machine”.

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F6626 Supplementary provisions as to gaming machine licence duty.

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Remote gaming duty

F8226AInterpretation

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F8226BThe duty

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F8226CThe rate

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F8226DAccounting periods

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F8226ERemote gaming receipts

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F8226FRemote gaming winnings

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F8226GLosses

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F8226HExemptions

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F8226ILiability to pay

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F8226IADouble taxation relief

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F8226IBDefinition of qualifying foreign tax

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F8226ICRegulations about claims for double taxation relief

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F8226JRegistration

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F8226KReturns

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F8226LEnforcement

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F8226MReview and appeal

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F17General

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F17

Cross-heading preceding s. 26N inserted (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

F16F6426NAmounts in currencies other than sterling

1

Any reference in this Part of this Act to a amount in sterling, in the context of—

a

the cost of playing a game, or

b

the amount of the prize for a game,

includes a reference to the equivalent amount in another currency.

2

The equivalent amount in another currency, in relation to any day, shall be determined by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the previous day.

F703

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F704

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Part III General

C2E1C827 Offences by bodies corporate.

—Where an offence under F67F84... paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 to this Act has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the date of the commission of the offence was a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence unless he proves—

a

that the offence was committed without his consent or connivance, and

b

that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and in all the circumstances.

F1828. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1929. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C3F2029A Evidence by certificate, etc.

1

A certificate of the Commissioners—

a

that any notice required by or under this Act to be given to them had or had not been given at any date, or

b

that any permit, licence or authority required by or under this Act had or had not been issued at any date, or

c

that any return required by or under this Act had not been made at any date, or

d

that any duty shown as due in any return F21made in pursuance of this Act or in any assessment made under section 12 of the Finance Act 1994 had not been paid at any date,

shall be sufficient evidence of that fact until the contrary is proved.

2

A photograph of any document furnished to the Commissioners for the purposes of this Act and certified by them to be such a photograph shall be admissible in any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, to the same extent as the document itself.

3

Any document purporting to be a certificate under subsection (1) or (2) above shall be deemed to be such a certificate until the contrary is proved.

30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F22

C4E2C931 Protection of officers.

Where an officer takes any action in pursuance of instructions of the Commissioners or a Collector of Customs and Excise given in connection with the enforcement of the enactments relating to F85bingo duty and, apart from the provisions of this section, the officer would in taking that action be committing an offence under the enactments relating to betting or gaming, he shall not be guilty of that offence.

32 Orders and regulations.

1

Any power conferred by any provision of this Act to make an order or regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

2

F23. . ., any statutory instrument made under any power conferred by this Act shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Commons.

F243

But in the case of an order under section 26H(4) which has the effect of adding to the class of activities in respect of which remote gaming duty is chargeable—

a

subsection (2) above shall not apply, and

b

the order may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of the House of Commons.

F233

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32AF32Application to limited liability partnerships

1

This Act applies to limited liability partnerships as it applies to companies.

2

In its application to a limited liability partnership, references to a director of a company are references to a member of the limited liability partnership.

33 Interpretation.

1

In this Act—

  • the Commissioners” means the Commissioners of Customs and Excise;

  • F72foreign tax” means a tax, including any sort of duty or levy, imposed in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom (see also subsection (1B));

  • F25gaming” means playing a game of chance for a prize F62... ;

  • the prescribed sum” in relation to the penalty provided for an offence, means—

    1. a

      if the offence was committed in England or Wales, the prescribed sum within the meaning of section 32 of the M1Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (£1,000 or other sum substituted by order under section 143(1) of that Act); and

    2. b

      if the offence was committed in Scotland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of F26subsection (8) of section 225 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (£5,000 or other sum substituted by order under subsection (4) of that section)F27and

    3. c

      if the offence was committed in Northern Ireland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of Article 4 of the M2 Fines and Penalties (Northern Ireland) Order 1984.

F611A

In the definition of “gaming” in subsection (1)—

a

game of chance” has the meaning given by section 6(2) of the Gambling Act 2005,

b

playing a game of chance” is to be read in accordance with section 6(3) of that Act, and

c

prize” does not include the opportunity to play the game again.

F731B

A reference in this Act to a foreign tax does not include any penalty, interest, surcharge or other such cost arising in connection with the tax (whether or not recoverable as if it were that tax).

2

For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the imposition by this Act of general betting duty, pool betting duty, bingo duty F71or remote gaming duty does not make lawful anything which is unlawful apart from this Act.

34 Consequential and transitional provisions and repeals.

1

Schedule 5 (consequential amendments) and Schedule 6 (transitional and saving provisions) to this Act shall have effect, but without prejudice to the operation of sections 15 to 17 of the M3Interpretation Act 1978 (which relate to the effect of repeals).

C52

The enactments specified in Schedule 7 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in the third column of that Schedule

Annotations:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C5

The text of s. 34(2) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations
M3

1978 c. 30(115:1).

35 Short title, construction, commencement and extent.

1

This Act may be cited as the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981.

2

This Act shall be construed as one with the M4Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

F283

The following provisions of this Act do not extend to Northern Ireland—

F29a

. . .

b

sections 29 and 30;

F29c

. . .

d

paragraph 15 of Schedule 4;

F30. . .

4

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SCHEDULES

F79SCHEDULE A1Betting duties: double taxation relief

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F79

Sch. A1 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 7 (with Sch. 29)

F79Introduction

F791

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F79Definitions

F792

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F79Credit allowed

F793

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F79Notional UK liability

F794

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F79Notional foreign liability

F795

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F79Clawback

F796

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F79Breach of return obligations

F797

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F79Reduction etc in foreign tax paid

F798

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F78SCHEDULE 1 Betting duties

Section 12(2).

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F78

Sch. 1 omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 8 (with Sch. 29)

F78 Definitions

F781

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F78 General administration

F782

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F782A

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F783

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F78 Notification to Commissioners as to carrying on of betting business

F784

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F78 Requirement of permit for carrying on pool betting business

F785

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F78 Books, records, accounts, et ceteralaetc.

F786

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F787

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F788

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F789

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F78 Powers to enter premises and obtain information

F7810

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F78 Power of Commissioners to estimate general betting duty payable

F7811

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F78 Disputes as to computation of pool betting duty

F7812

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F78 Enforcement

F7813

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7814

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7815

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7816

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88SCHEDULE 2 Gaming Licence Duty

Sections 13(2), 14(1) and 16.

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F88

Sch. 2 repealed (with effect in relation to any gaming on or after 1.10.1997) by Finance Act 1997 (c. 16), s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2 (with s. 10)

F88 Application for and duration of licence

F881

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Charge of duty in respect of short licence periods

F882

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Regulations

F883

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Inspection of premises

F884

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Power to estimate duty

F885

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Persons from whom duty recoverable

F886

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Enforcement

F887

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Co-operation with Gaming Board

F888

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88 Modification of agreements

F889

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 3 Bingo Duty

Sections 17(1) and 20.

Part I Exemption from Duty

Domestic bingo

1

F33In calculating liability to bingo duty no account shall be taken of bingo played both in a private dwelling and on a domestic occasion.

F34 Small-scale bingo

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F34

Sch. 3 paras. 2, 2A and heading substituted (with effect as mentioned in s. 9(10) of the amending Act) for Sch. 3 para. 2 by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 9(3)

2

1

This paragraph applies where entitlement to participate in non-licensed bingo depends on a person’s being—

a

a member of a group or organisation,

b

a guest of a member of a group or organisation, or

c

a guest of a group or organisation.

2

Payments in respect of entitlement to participate in the non-licensed bingo shall not be brought into account in relation to any person for the purpose of section 19.

3

Winnings at the non-licensed bingo shall not be brought into account in relation to any person for the purpose of section 20.

2A

1

In the case of non-licensed bingo to which paragraph 2 does not apply—

a

payments in respect of entitlement to participate in the non-licensed bingo shall not be brought into account in relation to any person for the purpose of section 19 (subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) below), and

b

winnings at the non-licensed bingo shall not be brought into account in relation to any person for the purpose of section 20 (subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) below).

2

If on a day winnings at non-licensed bingo promoted by a person exceed £500, sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to the person in respect of the accounting period in which that day falls and the next two accounting periods.

3

If stakes exceeding in aggregate £500 are hazarded on a day at non-licensed bingo promoted by a person, sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to the person in respect of the accounting period in which that day falls and the next two accounting periods.

4

If in an accounting period winnings at non-licensed bingo promoted by a person exceed £7,500, sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to the person in respect of that accounting period and the next two accounting periods.

5

If stakes exceeding in aggregate £7,500 are hazarded in an accounting period at non-licensed bingo promoted by a person, sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to the person in respect of that accounting period and the next two accounting periods.

6

For the purposes of this paragraph winnings at bingo shall be valued in accordance with section 20(2) to (6).

F41F36Non-profit making bingo

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F41

Sch. 3 para. 2B and heading inserted (with effect as mentioned in s. 9(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 9(4)

F36

Sch. 3 para. 2B and crossheading substituted (1.9.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 105, Sch. 25 paras. 12(2), 23; S.I. 2007/2532, art. 2

F352B

1

In calculating liability to bingo duty no account shall be taken of non-profit making bingo.

2

Non-profit making bingo” means bingo—

a

in respect of the playing of which no charge in money or money's worth is made, and

b

in respect of which no levy is charged on any of the stakes or on the winnings of any of the players (irrespective of the means by which the levy is charged),

and it does not matter whether the charge or levy is compulsory, customary or voluntary.

3

In sub-paragraph (2)(a) “charge” includes an admission charge, but does not include—

a

any payment of the whole or any part of an annual subscription to a club,

b

any payment of an entrance subscription for membership of a club, or

c

any stakes hazarded.

4

In sub-paragraph (3)—

  • club” means a club which is so constituted and conducted, in respect of membership and otherwise, as not to be of a temporary character, and

  • membership of a club” does not include temporary membership of a club.

Small-scale amusements provided commercially

5

1

F37In calculating liability to bingo duty no account shall be taken of bingo played in compliance with the conditions of this paragraph—

a

on any F38family entertainment centre within the meaning of the Gambling Act 2005 (see section 238);

F39aa

on any premises in Northern Ireland in respect of which an amusement permit under Article 111 of the M5Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 or a pleasure permit under Article 157 of that Order has been granted;

F77b

on any premises if, for the time being—

i

a machine in respect of which a person is liable for machine games duty is located on the premises, and

ii

an adult gaming centre premises licence issued under Part 8 of the Gambling Act 2005 (see section 150(1)(c)) is in force in respect of the premises; or

c

at any pleasure fair consisting wholly or mainly of amusements provided by travelling showmen, which is held on any day of a year on premises not previously used in that year for more than twenty-seven days for the holding of such a pleasure fair.

2

The conditions of this paragraph are that—

C6a

the amount payable by any person for a card for any one game of bingo does not exceed 20p;

C7b

the total amount taken as payment by players for their cards for any one games does not exceed £10;

c

no money prize exceeding F63£70 is distributed or offered;

d

the winning of, or the purchase of a chance to win, a prize does not entitle any person (whether subject to a further payment by him or not) to any further opportunity to win money or money’s worth by taking part in any gaming or in any lottery; and

e

in the case of such a pleasure fair as is described above, the opportunity to play bingo is not the only, or the only substantial, inducement to persons to attend the fair.

Machine bingo

6

F40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power to increase limits of exemptions

7

The Commissioners may by order provide that any provision of this Part of this Schedule which is specified in the order and which mentions a sum shall have effect (whether as from a date so specified or in relation to events taking place on or after a date so specified) as if for that sum there were substituted such larger sum as may be specified in the order.

Part II Supplementary Provisions

Definitions

8

In this Part of this Schedule—

  • bingo-promotor” means a person who promotes the playing of bingo chargeable with bingo duty;

  • prescribed” means prescribed by regulations;

  • regulations” means regulations of the Commissioners made under this Part of this Schedule.

General administration

9

1

Bingo duty shall be under the care and management of the Commissioners and shall be accounted for by such persons, and accounted for and paid at such times and in such manner, as may be required by or under regulations.

2

Without prejudice to any other provision of this Schedule, regulations may provide for any matter for which provision appears to the Commissioners to be necessary for the administration or enforcement of bingo duty, or for the protection of the revenue in respect of that duty.

Notification to Commissioners by, and registration of, bingo-promoters

10

1

Any person who intends to promote the playing of bingo F42in connection with which bingo duty may be chargeable shall, not less than fourteen days before the first day on which bingo is to be played, notify the Commissioners of his intention, specifying the premises on which the bingo is to be played, and applying to be registered as a bingo-promoter.

F431A

Any person who is a bingo-promoter but is not registered as such and is not a person to whom sub-paragraph (1) above applies shall within five days of the date on which he became a bingo-promoter (disregarding any day which is a Saturday or a Sunday or a Bank Holiday) notify the Commissioners of that fact and of the place where the bingo was and (if he intends to continue to promote the playing of bingo which will or may be chargeable with duty) is to be played and apply to be registered as a bingo-promoter.

2

Where a person F44gives notice to the Commissioners under sub-paragraph (1) or (1A) above, he shall be entitled to be registered by the Commissioners, except that the Commissioners may, where it appears to them to be requisite for the security of the revenue to do so, impose as a condition of a person’s registration, or may subsequently impose as a condition of the continuance in force of his registration, a requirement that he shall give such security (or further security) by way of deposit or otherwise for any bingo duty which he is, or may become, liable to pay as the Commissioners may from time to time require.

F45Conditions shall not be imposed under this sub-paragraph if the premises at which the bingo in question is or is to be played are not licensed under F46a bingo premises licenceF47or under Chapter II of Part III of the M6Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

3

Where, in the case of a person who is for the time being registered as a bingo-promoter, the Commissioners exercise their power under sub-paragraph (2) above to impose, as a condition of the continuance in force of his registration, a requirement that he shall give security or further security, and he does not give it, the Commissioners may cancel his registration but without prejudice to his right to apply again to be registered.

Announcement of prizes

11

F48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Books, records, accounts, etc.

12

F49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powers to enter premises and obtain information

13

1

Any officer may, without paying, enter on any premises where bingo is played or on which he has reasonable cause to suspect that bingo has been or is about to be played, and inspect the premises and anything whatsoever which he finds there; and he may further—

a

require any person concerned with the management of the premises to provide him with information with respect to activities carried on there;

b

require any person on the premises who appears to him to be, or to have been, playing any game to provide him with information with respect to the game and, in particular, to produce to him any document or thing in his possession which is or was used in connection with the playing of the game.

2

An officer who enters any premises in the exercise of powers conferred by this paragraph shall be permitted to remain there at any time when the premises are being used for gaming, or when he has reasonable cause to suspect that they are about to be so used.

Power to estimate duty

F5014

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Disputes as to computation of duty

15

F51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Enforcement

16

1

Any person who is knowingly concerned in or in taking steps with a view to the fraudulent evasion by him or any other person of bingo duty shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

a

on summary conviction to a penalty of F86£20,000 or, if greater, treble the amount of the duty payment of which is sought to be evaded or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both, or

b

on conviction on indictment to a penalty of any amount or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding F52seven years or to both.

2

Any person who—

a

is knowingly concerned with the promotion of bingo F53(being bingo in connection with which bingo duty may be chargeable) where the promoter is not registered by the Commissioners in accordance with paragraph 10 above;F54. . .

b

F54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

i

on summary conviction to a penalty of F87£20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both; or

ii

on conviction on indictment, to a penalty of any amount or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

3

F55Where any person

a

contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this Part of this Schedule or of regulations, or

b

fails to comply with any requirement made of him by or under any such provision,

F56his contravention or failure to comply shall attract a penalty under section 9 of the Finance Act 1994 (civil penalties).

F574

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

F58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68SCHEDULE 4Amusement Machine Licence duty

Sections 21(1), 24(1) and 26.

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F68

Sch. 4 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(d) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F68Part I Exemptions from requirement of Excise Licence

F68 Charitable entertainments, et ceteralaetc.

F681

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Pleasure fairs

F682

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F683

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Seasonal licences

F684

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68Part II Supplementary provisions

F68 General administration

F685

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Applications for and duration of licence

F686

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F687

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Payment of duty by instalments

F687A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Transfer of licence

F688

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Amendment of licence

F689

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6810

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Surrender of licence

F6811

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Reduction of duty in certain cases

F6811A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Requirements to be observed by licence-holder

F6812

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6813

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Power to enter premises and obtain information

F6814

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Registers of permits, et ceteralaetc.

F6815

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 Enforcement

F6816

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6817

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6818

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69Schedule 4A Unlicensed amusement machines

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F69

Sch. 4A omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 53(d) (with Sch. 24 paras. 59-62)

F69 Application

F691

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 Default notice requesting production of licence

F692

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 Failure to produce a licence: grant of default licence

F693

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 Assessment of amount equivalent to duty

F694

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 Liability to pay

F695

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 Reviews and time limits on recovery

F696

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 General interpretation

F697

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 Saving for liability

F698

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80SCHEDULE 4BRemote gaming duty: double taxation relief

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F80

Sch. 4B omitted (1.12.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 9 (with Sch. 29)

F80Introduction

F801

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Reconciliation periods

F802

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Credit allowed

F803

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Notional UK liability

F804

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Notional foreign liability

F805

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Clawback

F806

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Breach of return obligations

F807

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F80Reduction etc in foreign tax paid

F808

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

X1SCHEDULE 5 Consequential Amendments

section 34(1)

Annotations:
Editorial Information
X1

The text of Sch. 5 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

1

In the definition of “pool betting” in section 55(1) of the M7Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, for the words “the Betting Duties Act 1972” there shall be substituted the words “ the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ”.

2

In paragraph 20(1)(e) of Schedule 2 to the M8Gaming Act 1968, after the words “Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972” there shall be inserted the words “ or section 14 of or Schedule 2 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ” ; and the same amendment shall be made in paragraph 60(c) of Schedule 2, paragraph 9(e) of Schedule 3 and paragraph 11(e) of Schedule 4 to that Act.

3

In paragraph 48(1) of Schedule 2 to the Gaming Act 1968 for the words from “paragraph 12” to “and the Commissioners” there shall be substituted the words “ Section 15 or 24 of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 or paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 or paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to that Act (or under corresponding provisions of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or the corresponding provisions of the enactments consolidated by that Act) and the Commissioners ”.

4

In paragraph 17(1) of Schedule 3 and paragraph 15(1) of Schedule 4 to the Gaming Act 1968 for the words from “paragraph 15” to “in relation to premises” there shall be substituted the words “ section 24 of paragraph 24 of paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 (or under the corresponding provisions of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or the corresponding provisions of the enactments consolidated by that Act) in relation to premises ”.

5

In the M9Customs and Excise Management Act 1979—

a

in section 1(1) in the definition of “the revenue trade provisions of the customs and excise Acts” for the words “the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972” there shall be substituted the words “ the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ” ; and

b

in section 156(1) for the words from “means” to “all other provisions” there shall be substituted the words “ means the provisions ” ; and at the end there shall be inserted the words “ or the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981 ”.

SCHEDULE 6 Transitional Provisions and Savings

Section 34(1).

1

Where any period of time specified in an enactment repealed by this Act is current at the commencement of this Act, this Act shall have effect as if the corresponding provision of this Act had been in force when that period began to run.

2

Any provision of this Act relating to anything done or required or authorised to be done under or by reference to that provision or any other provision of this Act shall have effect as if any reference to that provision, or that other provision, as the case may be, included a reference to the corresponding provision of the enactments repealed by this Act and, where the corresponding provision is a provision of the M10Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972, to the corresponding provision of the enactments repealed by that Act.

3

Nothing in this Act shall affect the enactments repealed by this Act in their operation in relation to offences committed before the commencement of this Act.

4

Where an offence for the continuation of which a penalty was provided has been committed under an enactment repealed by the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or by this Act, proceedings may be taken under this Act in respect of the continuance of the offence after the commencement of this Act in the same manner as if the offence had been committed under the corresponding provision of this Act.

5

F59For the purposes of section 9B of this Act a conviction for an offence under section 5 of the M11Finance Act 1952, section 2 of the M12Betting Duties Act 1963 (either as originally enacted or as subsequently amended) or section 9 of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 shall be deemed to have been a conviction for an offence under section 9 of this Act.

6

Paragraph 11(3) of Schedule 4 to this Act shall have effect in relation to an offence under paragraph 22 of Schedule 11 to the M13Finance Act 1969 in respect of a contravention of section 5(11) of that Act (either as originally enacted or as subsequently amended) and to an offence under paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 in respect of a contravention of section 25 of that Act as it has effect in relation to an offence under section 24 of this Act in respect of a contravention of that section.

7

Where any Act or document refers either expressly or by implication to an enactment repealed by the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 or this Act, the reference shall, except where the context otherwise requires, be construed as, or as including—

a

in the case of enactments repealed by the said Act of 1972, the corresponding provisions of that Act and this Act; and

b

in the case of enactments repealed by this Act, the corresponding provisions of this Act.

8

Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 29 of and paragraphs 2 to 5 of Schedule 5 to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972, the amendments made by those paragraphs shall continue to have effect but subject to any modification made by Schedule 5 to this Act.

9

Nothing in this Act shall affect gaming licences for periods beginning before 1st October 1981.

X2SCHEDULE 7 Repeals

Section 34(2).

Annotations:
Editorial Information
X2

The text of Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Chapter

Short title

Extent of Repeal

1972 c. 25.

The Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972.

The whole Act.

1972 c. 41.

The Finance Act 1972.

Section 58.

1972 c. 69.

The Horserace Totalisor and Betting Levy Boards Act 1972.

Section 1(6).

1974 c. 30.

The Finance Act 1974.

Section 2(2), as respects England, Wales and Scotland.

1975 c. 45.

The Finance (No. 2) Act 1975.

Sections 3 and 4.

1976 c. 32.

The Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.

In Schedule 4, paragraph 8.

1979 c. 2.

The Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

In Schedule 4, in paragraph 12, in Part I of the Table, the entries relating to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972.

1980 c. 48.

The Finance Act 1980.

Sections 6 and 7(1).

Schedule 5 and Part I of Schedule 6.

1981 c. 35.

The Finance Act 1981.

In section 9, in subsection (1) the words from “section 1(2)(b)” to “and”, subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (7) and in subsection (8) the words from “subsections (2)” to “subsections (5)”.

Schedule 5.