Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The taxation of remote betting operators is designed to level the playing field with traditional bookmakers and the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013, published in July, provides the regulatory framework for this. The Bill was subject to a three-month standstill period under the EU technical standards directive. This commenced in July and a number of communications seeking clarification around aspects of the Bill have been received from the Commission and responded to by the Department of Finance in that time. Progress on the Bill is now subject to agreement on scheduling by the Whips and I still hope to be allocated time to pass the legislation through the Oireachtas before the end of this session.

There have been a number of calls for an increase in the rate of duty that applies to betting. However, our preferred approach has been to extend the base on which the 1% rate applies, ensuring that the tax is applied fairly and widely on a level playing field for all. When we can be sure that we have in place a framework that captures all betting, the prospect of a rate rise can perhaps be explored. All taxes are reviewed on an ongoing basis by officials from my Department and the Revenue Commissioners, and this will be no different. However, as I’ve said, the priority is to extend the tax to the remote sector. Accordingly, I cannot accept the amendment.

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