Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins joined some of the town’s keenest bingo players for a game on Friday and met with industry representatives to discuss taxation levied on the sector.
Bingo is enjoying its highest levels of popularity in a generation with record numbers of young people taking up the pastime. A recent survey found 61% of British adults said they feel bingo clubs provide an ‘important local service, and bring communities together’.
However, bingo is subjected to Gross Profits Tax of 20% – 5% more than the GPT levied at bookmakers and 7% more than lottery tickets.
Bingo industry leaders, backed by Mr Perkins, are now calling for a cut in GPT to 15%, allowing them to invest in their premises’ and create jobs.
Speaking to bingo enthusiasts at Mecca’s Foljambe Road hall, Mr Perkins said: “I am pleased to support the bingo industry’s efforts to petition government to rethink how it levies taxes on the game.
“Bingo brings adults of all ages together to socialise in a lively and fun environment, and I am fully behind this campaign. I enjoyed the games I had at Mecca and I look forward to raising issues facing the sector with ministers in Parliament.”