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

The increase in the betting duty rate from 1% to 2% and the increase in the intermediary duty rate came into effect on 1 January 2019. The last time that the betting duty rate was increased was in 1975. Since then, the rate had gradually decreased to 1%. It now stands at an all-time low.

In the course of last year's Finance Bill process, I acknowledged that smaller independent bookmakers may have difficulty competing with larger bookmakers with retail and online operations. At the time, I agreed to review an alternative proposal put forward by the betting sector. I have held numerous meetings with representatives of the independent betting sector and have met directly with companies to hear their views.

They have furnished me with a proposal and I am now engaging with the European Commission to ascertain whether that can be implemented. In the tax strategy group paper that will be published by the summer we will provide an update to the Oireachtas on the options on that issue.

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