Speaking on Thursday, as the company released its results for the year to 1st
July, Ralph Topping, Chief Executive of William Hill, suggested that the government's
indecision with regard to the gambling sector is having an adverse effect.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Mr Topping suggested that the 15% gross
profits tax imposed on gambling firms by Gordon Brown during his time as Chancellor
was putting such firms off locating in the United Kingdom, and called on the
government to reconsider the levy, especially in view of the rise in internet
betting since it was introduced.
He also reportedly urged the Brown government not to impose any additional
taxes on fixed-odds betting terminals, arguing that:
"This business has to be allowed some room to grow. What I am saying to
the Government is, please think things through from all angles."
According to reports in the industry press, Mr Topping acknowledged that despite
accusing the government of "flip-flopping" over gambling policy, any
changes in the gross profits tax regime as it relates to the gambling sector
might be several years in the making.
He also dismissed the suggestion that William Hill might consider following
the example of some of its peers and relocating offshore, observing, according
to the GamblingCompliance.com news service, that:
“That would be extremely costly. Absolutely everything would have to
be in place. Besides, we like being a UK business.”
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