Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The increase in the betting duty rate from 1% to 2%, and the betting intermediary duty rate from 15% to 25%, came into effect on 1 January. At this point in the year it is still too early to draw any conclusions on the impact of these increases. Receipts from betting duty represented less than 1% of all excise receipts in 2017 and this is likely to be the case in 2018. In addition, there is no VAT applied on betting transactions. During the debate, I outlined why I consider the betting sector needs to make a fair contribution to the Exchequer.

During the course of the Finance Bill process I agreed to review an alternative proposal put forward by the betting sector, and I acknowledge that small independent bookmakers may have difficulty competing with larger bookmakers. My officials are now considering this proposal. We are considering whether it is compatible with a core element of EU rules, and will set out our analysis of this and options in respect of it in papers of the tax strategy group, which should be published in July.

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