Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The 1% rate of betting duty is at an all-time low. It is lower than the rate applied in other countries and, certainly, the receipts are exceptionally low when compared to other sectors subject to excise taxes. Betting duty receipts account for less than 1% of all excise receipts at a time of raised public consciousness of the social consequences of problem gambling. All proposals have consequences. The industry should contribute more to the Exchequer. Ultimately, many taxes on goods and services are passed to end-consumers and bookmakers will have to make commercial decisions on such matters. I acknowledge that the market has moved towards online betting and that this has led to ongoing competitive challenges for smaller independent bookmakers. While I have sympathy for small independent bookmakers, I cannot apply the increase to some bookmakers and not to others. However, during the debates on the Bill in the Dáil, the Minister for Finance gave a commitment to consider, in 2019, the alternative betting duty proposal put forward by the industry. I assure the House that as part of this exercise, the Department will examine ways to alleviate the betting duty increase for small, independent bookmakers. Accordingly, I cannot accept the recommendation. The alternative proposal for a gross profits tax was presented by the sector after the Finance Bill was published. The Minister has consented to review the matter and we will consider the sector's proposal in 2019.