Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981

Part I U.K. Betting Duties

General betting duty U.K.

[F1 F2 1 The duty U.K.

A duty of excise to be known as general betting duty shall be charged in accordance with sections 2 to 5D.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F2 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F3 2 Bookmakers: general bets U.K.

(1) General betting duty shall be charged on a bet made with a bookmaker who is in the United Kingdom.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to—

(a) an on-course bet,

(b) a spread bet, [F4 or]

(c) a bet made by way of pool betting, F5 . . .

F6 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The amount of duty charged in respect of bets made with a bookmaker in an accounting period shall be 15 per cent. of the amount of his net stake receipts for that period.

Textual Amendments

F3 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F4 Word in s. 2(2)(b) inserted (retrospective to 31.3.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 12(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 3(a)

F5 S. 2(2)(d) and preceding word repealed (retrospective to 31.3.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 12(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12, 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 3(b), Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F6 S. 2(2)(d) and preceding word repealed (retrospective to 31.3.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 12(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12, 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 3(b), Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F7 3 Bookmakers: spread bets U.K.

(1) General betting duty shall be charged on a spread bet made with a bookmaker who—

(a) is in the United Kingdom, and

(b) holds a bookmaker’s permit.

[F8 (2) A bet is a spread bet if, at the time it is made, it constitutes a contract to which section 412 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (gaming contract not void etc if entry into contract is activity specified under the section and contract relates to investment so specified) applies at that time.]

(3) The amount of duty charged under subsection (1) in respect of spread bets made with a bookmaker in an accounting period shall be—

(a) 3 per cent. of the amount of his net stake receipts in respect of financial spread bets for that period (if any), plus

(b) 10 per cent. of the amount of his net stake receipts in respect of other spread bets for that period (if any).

(4) A “financial spread bet” is a spread bet the subject of which is a financial matter.

(5) The Commissioners may by order provide that a specified matter—

(a) shall be treated as a financial matter for the purpose of subsection (4), or

(b) shall not be treated as a financial matter for that purpose.

Textual Amendments

F7 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F8 S. 3(2) substituted (24.7.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 13(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 13(1)

F9 4 Other betting U.K.

(1) General betting duty shall be charged on sponsored pool betting.

(2) General betting duty shall be charged on a bet made by means of facilities provided by the Horserace Totalisator Board.

(3) General betting duty shall be charged on a bet made on an event on a track falling within subsection (4) if the bet is made—

(a) by means of a totalisator which operates on that track, and

(b) on the day of the event.

(4) A track falls within this subsection if—

(a) a track betting licence is in force for the track under Schedule 3 to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963,

(b) a track betting licence is in force for the track under Article 37 of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, or

(c) the Commissioners designate the track for the purposes of this subsection.

(5) The amount of duty charged under subsections (1) to (3) in respect of bets made by means of facilities provided by a person in an accounting period shall be 15 per cent. of the amount of his net stake receipts for that period.

(6) Subsections (1) to (3) [F10 do not apply to on-course bets.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F10 Words in s. 4(6) substituted (retrospective to 31.3.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 12(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 4

F11 5 Net stake receipts U.K.

(1) For the purposes of a charge under a provision of sections 2 to 4 in respect of the class of bets to which the provision applies, the amount of a person’s net stake receipts for an accounting period is X minus Y, where—

(a) X is the aggregate of amounts which fall due to that person in the accounting period in respect of bets of that class made with him, and

(b) Y is the aggregate of amounts paid by the person in that period by way of winnings to persons who made bets of that class with him (irrespective of when the bets were made or determined).

(2) Where—

(a) a person makes a bet other than a spread bet, and

(b) the sum which he will lose if unsuccessful is known when the bet is made,

that sum shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) as falling due when the bet is made (irrespective of when it is actually paid or required to be paid).

(3) Where the amount of a person’s net stake receipts is zero or a negative amount, it shall be disregarded for the purposes of sections 2 to 4.

(4) In calculating an amount due to a person in respect of a bet, no deduction shall be made in respect of—

(a) any other benefit secured by the person who makes the bet as a result of paying the money,

(b) a person’s expenses, whether in paying duty or otherwise, or

(c) any other matter.

(5) Where a person makes a bet in pursuance of an offer which permits him to pay nothing or less than the amount which he would have been required to pay without the offer, he shall be treated for the purposes of this section as being due to pay that amount—

(a) to the person with whom the bet is made, and

(b) at the time when the bet is made.

(6) For the purpose of subsection (1)(b)—

(a) the reference to paying an amount to a person includes a reference to holding it in an account if the person is notified that the amount is being held for him in the account and that he is entitled to withdraw it on demand,

(b) the return of a stake shall be treated as a payment by way of winnings, and

(c) only payments of money shall be taken into account.

(7) In the application of this section to a charge under section 4(1) to (3), a reference to bets made with a person shall be treated as a reference to bets made by means of facilities provided by him.

Textual Amendments

F11 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

Valid from 10/07/2003

[F12 5AA Relief for losses U.K.

(1) This section applies where the amount of a person’s net stake receipts for an accounting period in respect of a class of bets (calculated in accordance with section 5(1)) is a negative amount.

(2) That amount shall be carried forward to the following accounting period and, to the extent that it does not exceed it, deducted from the amount of the person’s net stake receipts in respect of the same class of bets for that period.

(3) If the amount of those net stake receipts for that following accounting period—

(a) is not a positive amount, or

(b) is less than the amount carried forward,

the amount carried forward or, as the case may be, the balance of it shall be treated for the purposes of this section as if it were a negative amount of net stake receipts for that period in respect of the same class of bets.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F12 S. 5AA inserted (with application as mentioned in s. 6(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 6(3)

Valid from 10/07/2003

[F13 5AB Betting exchanges U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) one person makes a bet with another person using facilities provided by a third person in the course of a business, and

(b) that business is one that does not involve the provision of premises for use by persons making or taking bets.

(2) General betting duty shall be charged on the amounts (“commission charges”) that the parties to the bet are charged, whether by deduction from winnings or otherwise, for using those facilities.

(3) No deductions shall be allowed from commission charges.

(4) The amount of duty charged under this section in respect of bets determined in an accounting period shall be 15 per cent of the commission charges relating to those bets.

(5) For the purposes of this section, and section 5B(4) so far as relating to this section, a person who arranges for facilities relating to a bet to be provided by another person shall be treated as providing them himself (and the other person shall not).]]

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F12 S. 5AA inserted (with application as mentioned in s. 6(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 6(3)

F13 S. 5AB inserted (with application as mentioned in s. 7(5)(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 7(2)

F14 5A Multiple bets U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (3), this section applies where—

(a) a person bets on more than one contingency, and

(b) he bets on terms that if his bet in respect of one contingency is successful the stake or winnings will be carried forward as the stake in respect of another contingency.

(2) Where this section applies—

(a) the person mentioned in subsection (1)(a) shall be treated for the purposes of sections 2 to 4 as making a separate bet on each contingency, and

(b) each bet which depends on the result of an earlier bet shall be treated as being made at the time of that result.

(3) This section does not apply where a person bets on more than one contingency if—

(a) the betting takes the form of a single bet or of bets placed at a single time, and

(b) the terms mentioned in subsection (1) do not permit the arrangement for carrying forward to be varied or terminated.

(4) In subsection (1)(b) the reference to “the stake or winnings” includes a reference to—

(a) any part of the stake,

(b) any part of the winnings, and

(c) any combination of stake and winnings.

Textual Amendments

F14 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F15 5B Liability to pay U.K.

(1) At the end of each accounting period all general betting duty chargeable in respect of bets made in the period shall become due.

(2) In the case of bets made with a bookmaker in an accounting period the general betting duty shall be paid—

(a) when it becomes due, and

(b) by the bookmaker.

(3) But general betting duty which is due to be paid by a bookmaker in respect of bets may be recovered from the following persons as if they and the bookmaker were jointly and severally liable to pay the duty—

(a) the holder of a bookmaker’s permit for the business in the course of which the bets were made;

(b) a person responsible for the management of that business;

(c) where the bookmaker is a company, a director.

(4) In the case of bets made in an accounting period by means of facilities provided by a person as described in section 4(1) to (3) the general betting duty shall be paid—

(a) when it becomes due, and

(b) by the person who provides the facilities.

(5) This section is without prejudice to paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to this Act or regulations made under it.

Textual Amendments

F15 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F16 5C Bet-brokers U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) one person (the “bettor”) makes a bet with another person (the “bet-taker”) using facilities provided in the course of a business by a third person (the “bet-broker”), or

(b) one person (the “bet-broker”) in the course of a business makes a bet with another person (the “bet-taker”) as the agent of a third person (the “bettor”) (whether the bettor is a disclosed principal or an undisclosed principal).

(2) For the purposes of sections 2 to 5B—

(a) the bet shall be treated as if it were made by the bettor with the bet-broker and not with the bet-taker,

(b) the bet-broker shall be treated as a bookmaker in respect of the bet,

(c) the aggregate of amounts due to be paid by the bettor in respect of the bet shall be treated as being due to the bet-broker, and

(d) a sum paid by the bet-taker by way of winnings in respect of the bet shall be treated as having been paid by the bet-broker at that time and for that purpose.

(3) But subsection (2) does not apply to a bet if—

(a) the bet-taker holds a bookmaker’s permit, and

(b) the bet would not be an on-course bet if the bet-broker were making the bet with the bet-taker as principal.

(4) In the case of a bet which is excluded from subsection (2) by virtue of subsection (3), for the purposes of sections 2 to 5B—

(a) the bet shall be treated as if it were made separately by the bettor with the bet-broker and by the bet-broker with the bet-taker,

(b) the bet-broker shall be treated as a bookmaker in respect of the bet,

(c) the aggregate of amounts due to be paid by the bettor in respect of the bet shall be treated as being due separately to the bet-broker and to the bet-taker (and any amount due to be paid by the bet-broker to the bet-taker shall be disregarded), and

(d) a sum paid by the bet-taker by way of winnings in respect of the bet shall be treated as having been paid separately by the bet-taker and by the bet-broker at that time and for that purpose (and any sum paid by the bet-broker shall be disregarded).

(5) This section does not apply—

(a) to bets made by way of pool betting, or

(b) to bets made using facilities provided by a person holding (and relying on) a betting agency permit (within the meaning of section 9(2)(c)(ii) of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963).

(6) Where there is any doubt as to which of two persons is the bettor and which the bet-taker for the purposes of subsection (1)(a), whichever of the two was the first to use the facilities of the bet-broker to offer the bet shall be treated as the bet-taker.

Textual Amendments

F16 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F17 5D Accounting period U.K.

(1) For the purposes of sections 2 to 5C—

(a) each calendar month is an accounting period, but

(b) the Commissioners may provide in regulations under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to this Act for some other specified period to be an accounting period.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (1)(b) may—

(a) make provision which applies generally or only in relation to a specified person or class of person;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) make transitional provision.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F17 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

[F18 Pool betting duty] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F18 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

[F19 6 The duty U.K.

A duty of excise to be known as pool betting duty shall be charged in accordance with sections 7 to 8C.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

7 Duty charged on net pool betting receipts U.K.

(1) If the amount of a person’s net pool betting receipts for an accounting period is greater than zero, pool betting duty is charged on those receipts.

(2) The amount of that duty is 15 per cent of the amount of the receipts.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

Valid from 10/07/2003

[F20 7ZA Relief for losses U.K.

(1) This section applies where the amount of a person’s net pool betting receipts for an accounting period is a negative amount.

(2) That amount shall be carried forward to the following accounting period and, to the extent that it does not exceed it, deducted from the amount of the person’s net pool betting receipts for that period.

(3) If the amount of the net pool betting receipts for that following accounting period—

(a) is not a positive amount, or

(b) is less than the amount carried forward,

the amount carried forward or, as the case may be, the balance of it shall be treated for the purposes of this section as if it were a negative amount of net pool betting receipts for that period.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

F20 S. 7ZA inserted (with application as mentioned in s. 6(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 6(5)

7A Calculating net pool betting receipts U.K.

For the purposes of section 7, the amount of a person’s net pool betting receipts for an accounting period is—

where—

S is the aggregate of amounts falling due to the person in the accounting period in respect of dutiable pool bets,

E is the aggregate of expenses and profits falling within section 7E(2) that are attributable to the accounting period, and

W is the aggregate of amounts paid by the person in the accounting period by way of winnings on dutiable pool bets (irrespective of when the bets were made or determined).

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

7B Net pool betting receipts: meaning of “dutiable pool bet” U.K.

(1) For the purposes of a calculation under section 7A of the amount of a person’s net pool betting receipts for any accounting period, a bet (wherever made) is a “dutiable pool bet” if—

(a) the bet is made by way of pool betting, and

(b) the following conditions are satisfied.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) the bet is made by means of a totalisator situated in the United Kingdom and that person is the operator, or

(b) the bet is made otherwise than by means of a totalisator and that person is the promoter and is in the United Kingdom.

(3) The second condition is that the bet is not—

(a) made by way of sponsored pool betting,

(b) made as mentioned in section 4(3), or

(c) made for community benefit.

(4) The third condition is that if the bet was made before 31st March 2002, at least one event to which it relates takes place on or after that date.

7C Net pool betting receipts: calculating stake money U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purpose of calculating S in a calculation under section 7A.

(2) Any payment that entitles a person to make a bet shall, if he makes the bet, be treated as stake money on the bet.

(3) All payments made—

(a) for or on account of or in connection with bets that are dutiable pool bets for the purposes of the calculation,

(b) in addition to the stake money, and

(c) by the persons making the bets,

shall be treated as amounts due in respect of the bets except in so far as the contrary is proved by the person whose net pool betting receipts are being calculated.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

7D Net pool betting receipts: when stakes etc fall due U.K.

(1) Subsections (2) to (5) apply for the purpose of calculating S in a calculation under section 7A but have effect subject to any regulations under subsection (6).

(2) Where—

(a) a person makes a bet, and

(b) the bet relates to a single event, or to two or more events all taking place on the same day,

any sum due to a person in respect of the bet shall be treated as falling due on the day on which the event or events take place.

(3) Where—

(a) a person makes a bet, and

(b) subsection (2) does not apply,

any sum due to a person in respect of the bet shall (subject to subsection (5)) be treated as falling due when the bet is made.

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) have effect in relation to a sum irrespective of when it is actually paid or required to be paid (even where a sum that those subsections require to be treated as falling due on or after 31st March 2002 was actually paid, or required to be paid, before that date).

(5) As respects a bet made before 31st March 2002 that relates to events at least one of which takes place before that date and at least one of which takes place on or after that date, any sum paid on or after that date in respect of the bet shall be treated as falling due when it is paid.

(6) The Commissioners may by regulations make provision as to when any sum due to a person in respect of a bet is to be treated as falling due for the purpose of calculating S in a calculation under section 7A.

(7) Provision made by regulations under subsection (6) may not provide for a sum due to a person in respect of a bet to be treated as falling due—

(a) earlier than when the bet is made, or

(b) later than when the bet is determined.

(8) Regulations made under subsection (6) may—

(a) make provision that applies generally or only in relation to a specified description of bet;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) make provision relating to bets made before the regulations are made (including bets made before the passing of the Finance Act 2002);

(d) make transitional provision.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

7E Net pool betting receipts: expenses and profits U.K.

(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply for the purpose of calculating E in a calculation under section 7A.

(2) The expenses and profits falling within this subsection are (subject to subsection (3))—

(a) those of the person whose net pool betting receipts are being calculated, and

(b) those of any other person concerned with or benefiting from the promotion of the betting concerned.

(3) Expenses and profits do not fall within subsection (2) so far as they are—

(a) provided out of amounts due, in respect of bets that are dutiable pool bets for the purposes of the calculation, to the person whose net pool betting receipts are being calculated, or

(b) referable to matters other than—

(i) the promotion or management of the betting concerned, or

(ii) activities ancillary to, or connected with, such promotion or management.

(4) The Commissioners may by regulations make provision as to the accounting period to which expenses and profits falling within subsection (2) are to be treated as attributable for the purpose of calculating E in a calculation under section 7A.

(5) Regulations made under subsection (4) may—

(a) make provision that applies generally or only in relation to a specified description of bet;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) make provision applying in respect of expenses incurred, and profits accruing, before the regulations are made (including any incurred or accruing before the passing of the Finance Act 2002);

(d) make transitional provision.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

7F Net pool betting receipts: calculating winnings U.K.

(1) Subsections (2) to (5) apply for the purpose of calculating W in a calculation under section 7A.

(2) The reference to paying an amount to a person includes a reference to holding it in an account if the person is notified that the amount is being held for him in the account and that he is entitled to withdraw it on demand.

(3) The return of a stake shall be treated as a payment by way of winnings.

(4) Only payments of money shall be taken into account.

(5) Where a bet made before 31st March 2002 relates to events at least one of which takes place before that date and at least one of which takes place on or after that date, no account shall be taken of any payment by way of winnings on the bet.

(6) The Commissioners may by regulations make provision as to when amounts paid by way of winnings are to be treated as being paid for the purposes of calculating W in a calculation under section 7A.

(7) Regulations made under subsection (6) may—

(a) make provision that applies generally or only in relation to a specified description of bet;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) make provision applying in respect of amounts paid before the regulations are made (including amounts paid before the passing of the Finance Act 2002);

(d) make transitional provision.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

8 Payment and recovery U.K.

(1) Pool betting duty charged on a person’s net pool betting receipts for an accounting period—

(a) becomes due at the end of the period,

(b) shall be paid by the person, and

(c) shall, subject to any regulations under subsection (3) and any directions under paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to this Act, be paid when it becomes due.

(2) Pool betting duty that is due to be paid may be recovered from the following persons as if they were jointly and severally liable to pay the duty—

(a) the person on whose net pool betting receipts the duty is charged (“the primary payer”);

(b) a person responsible for the management of any business in the course of which any bets have been made that are dutiable pool bets for the purposes of calculations under section 7A of the amount of the primary payer’s net pool betting receipts for any accounting period;

(c) a person responsible for the management of any totalisator used for the purposes of any such business;

(d) where a person within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) is a company, a director.

(3) The Commissioners may by regulations—

(a) make provision as to when pool betting duty is to be paid (including provision repealing paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to this Act and the reference to that paragraph in subsection (1)(c));

(b) make provision as to how pool betting duty is to be paid.

(4) Regulations made under subsection (3) may—

(a) make provision that applies generally or only in relation to a specified person or class of person;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) make transitional provision.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

8A Meaning of “bet made for community benefit" in sections 6 to 8 U.K.

(1) For the purposes of sections 6 to 8 (but subject to any direction under subsection (3)), a bet is made “for community benefit” if—

(a) the promoter of the betting concerned is a community society or is bound to pay all benefits accruing from the betting to such a society, and

(b) the person making the bet knows, when making it, that the purpose of the betting is to benefit such a society.

(2) In the case of a bet made by means of a totalisator, the reference in subsection (1) to the promoter of the betting concerned is a reference to the operator.

(3) The Commissioners may direct that any bet specified by the direction, or of a description so specified, is not a bet made for community benefit.

(4) The power conferred by subsection (3) may not be exercised unless the Commissioners consider that an unreasonably large part of the amounts paid in respect of the bets concerned will, or may, be applied otherwise than—

(a) in the payment of winnings, or

(b) for the benefit of a community society.

(5) In this section “community society” means—

(a) a society established and conducted for charitable purposes only, or

(b) a society established and conducted wholly or mainly for the support of athletic sports or athletic games and not established or conducted for purposes of private gain.

(6) In this section “society” includes any club, institution, organisation or association of persons, by whatever name called.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

8B Meaning of “accounting period" in sections 6 to 8 U.K.

(1) For the purposes of sections 6 to 8—

(a) each period that ends with the last Saturday in a calendar month, and begins with the Sunday immediately following the previous such Saturday, is an accounting period, but

(b) the Commissioners may by regulations make provision for some other specified period to be an accounting period.

(2) Regulations made under subsection (1)(b) may—

(a) make provision that applies generally or only in relation to a specified person or class of person;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) make transitional provision.

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

8C Meaning of “bet" in sections 6 to 8A U.K.

(1) For the purposes of sections 6 to 8A, “bet” does not include the taking of a ticket or chance in a lottery.

(2) Where payments are made for the chance of winning any money or money’s worth on terms under which the persons making the payments have a power of selection that may (directly or indirectly) determine the winner, those payments shall be treated as bets for the purposes of sections 6 to 8A notwithstanding that the power is not exercised.

(3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to section 12(3).

(4) Where any payment entitles a person to take part in a transaction that is, on his part only, not a bet made by way of pool betting by reason of his not in fact making any stake as if the transaction were such a bet, the transaction shall be treated as such a bet for the purposes of pool betting duty (and section 7C(3) shall apply to any such payment).]

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F19 Ss. 6-8C and preceding cross-heading substituted for ss. 6-8 (24.7.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise retrospective to 31.3.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 12(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 2

General U.K.

9 Prohibitions for protection of revenue. U.K.

(1) Any person who—

(a) conducts in [F21 the United Kingdom] any business or agency for the negotiation, receipt or transmission of bets to which this section applies, or

(b) knowingly issues, circulates or distributes in [F21 the United Kingdom], or has in his possession for that purpose, any advertisement or other document inviting or otherwise relating to the making of such bets, or

(c) being a bookmaker in [F21 the United Kingdom], makes or offers to make any such bet with a bookmaker outside [F21 the United Kingdom],

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Except as mentioned in subsection (3) below, this section applies to—

(a) all bets made by way of pool betting F22 . . . unless—

(i) in the case of bets made by means of a totalisator, the totalisator is situated in [F21 the United Kingdom],

(ii) in the case of bets made otherwise than by means of a totalisator, the promoter of the betting is in [F21 the United Kingdom]; and

(b) all bets made with a bookmaker outside [F21 the United Kingdom] (whether or not made by way of pool betting F22 . . . ).

(3) This section does not apply—

[F23 (a) to any bet which is made by way of pool betting F24 . . . if—

[F25 (i) the bet is not made by means of a totalisator, and

(ii) the promoter is in the Isle of Man; or]

(aa) to any bet which is made with a bookmaker if—

(i) it is not made by way of pool betting F26 . . . ,

(ii) the bookmaker is in the Isle of Man,

(iii) a duty is imposed by or under an Act of Tynwald in respect of bookmaker’s receipts from bets of that kind, and

(iv) the rates and method of calculation of that duty result in no less duty being charged in respect of bets of that kind than is charged by way of general betting duty in respect of bets of that kind; or]

(b) to any bet made by means of a totalisator situated in a country outside [F21 the United Kingdom] on a horse race taking place in that country; or

(c) to any bet in respect of an event taking place outside [F21 the United Kingdom] made by a bookmaker in [F21 the United Kingdom]—

(i) by means of a totalisator situated outside [F21 the United Kingdom], or

(ii) with a bookmaker outside [F21 the United Kingdom],

if it is shown that bets in respect of that event have been made in [F21 the United Kingdom] with the first-mentioned bookmaker by other persons.

(4) F27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) A person who makes or tries to make a bet, or who gets or tries to get any advertisement or other document given or sent to him, shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of his thereby procuring or inciting some other person to commit, or aiding or abetting the commission of, an offence under this section.

[F28 (6) Section 8C(1) to (3) above shall have effect for the purposes of subsections (2)(a) and (5) above as it has effect for the purposes of sections 6 to 8A above.]

Textual Amendments

F21 Words substituted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 para. 3(1)

F22 Words in s. 9(2) repealed (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 5, Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F23 S. 9(3)(a)(aa) substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for s. 9(3)(a) by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. para. 2; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F24 Words in s. 9(3)(a) repealed (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 6(a), Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F25 S. 9(3)(a)(i)(ii) substituted (retrospective to 31.3.2002) for s. 9(3)(a)(i)-(iv) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 12(1)(2)(5), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 6(b)

F26 Words in s. 9(3)(aa)(i) repealed (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 6(c), Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F27 s. 9(4) repealed (24.7.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 14(6) of the repealing Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 14(3), 141, Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F28 S. 9(6) substituted (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 7

Valid from 25/07/2002

[F29 9A Further prohibitions for protection of revenue: overseas bet-brokers U.K.

(1) A person shall be guilty of an offence if—

(a) he knowingly issues, circulates or distributes in the United Kingdom, or has in his possession for that purpose, any advertisement or other document inviting the use of or otherwise relating to bet-broking services, and

(b) any person providing any of the bet-broking services concerned—

(i) is outside the United Kingdom, and

(ii) provides them in the course of a business.

(2) In this section “bet-broking services” means—

(a) facilities provided by a person that may be used by other persons in making bets with third persons, or

(b) a person’s services of acting as agent for other persons in making bets on their behalf with third parties (whether the persons on whose behalf the bets are made are disclosed principals or undisclosed principals).

(3) In subsection (2) “bet” means a bet other than one made by way of pool betting.

(4) A person who gets or tries to get any advertisement or other document given or sent to him shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of his thereby procuring or inciting some other person to commit, or aiding or abetting the commission of, an offence under this section.]

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 9A inserted (25.7.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 14(1)(5)

[F30 9B Offences under sections 9 and 9A: penalties U.K.

(1) This section applies where a person is guilty of an offence under section 9 or 9A (a “relevant offence”).

(2) In the case of the person’s first conviction for a relevant offence, he is liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a penalty of the prescribed sum, or

(b) on conviction on indictment to a penalty of any amount.

(3) In the case of a second or subsequent conviction of the person for a relevant offence, he is liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a penalty of the prescribed sum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both, or

(b) on conviction on indictment to a penalty of any amount or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both.]

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 9B inserted (24.7.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 14(6) of the inserting Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 14(2)

10 Definition of pool betting. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of this Part of this Act, a bet shall be deemed to be made by way of pool betting unless it is a bet at fixed odds, and, in particular, bets shall be held to be made by way of pool betting wherever a number of persons make bets—

(a) on terms that the winnings of such of those persons as are winners shall be, or be a share of, or be determined by reference to, the stake money paid or agreed to be paid by those persons, whether the bets are made by means of a totalisator, or by filling up and returning coupons or other printed or written forms, or in any other way, or

(b) on terms that the winnings of such of those persons as are winners shall be, or shall include, an amount (not determined by reference to the stake money paid or agreed to be paid by those persons) which is divisible in any proportions among such of those persons as are winners, or

(c) on the basis that the winners or their winnings shall, to any extent, be at the discretion of the promoter or some other person.

(2) A bet is a bet at fixed odds within the meaning of this section only if each of the persons making it knows or can know, at the time he makes it, the amount he will win, except in so far as that amount is to depend on the result of the event or events betted on, or on any such event taking place or producing a result, or on the numbers taking part in any such event, or on the starting prices or totalisator odds for any such event, or on there being totalisator odds on any such event, or on the time when his bet is received by any person with or through whom it is made.

• In this subsection—

• “starting prices” means, in relation to any event, the odds ruling at the scene of the event immediately before the start, and

• “totalisator odds” means—

  (a)

  in relation to a race which is a recognised horse race within the meaning of section 55(1) of the M1 Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, the odds paid on bets on that race made by way of sponsored pool betting, and

  (b)

  in relation to any other event, the odds paid on bets made by means of a totalisator at the scene of the event.

(3) A bet made with or through a person carrying on a business of receiving or negotiating bets, being a bet made in the course of that business, shall be deemed not to be a bet at fixed odds within the meaning of this section if the winnings of the person by whom it is so made consist or may consist wholly or in part of something other than money.

(4) Where a person carries on a business of receiving or negotiating bets and there is or has been issued in connection with that business any advertisement or other publication calculated to encourage in persons making bets of any description with or through him a belief that the bets are made on the basis mentioned in subsection (1)(c) above, then any bets of that description subsequently made with or through him in the course of that business shall be deemed for the purposes of this section to be made on that basis.

Marginal Citations

M1 1963 c. 2(12:1).

11 Definition of coupon betting. U.K.

F31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading and ss. 1-5D substituted (6.10.2001 with effect as mentioned in art. 2 of the commencing S.I.) for ss. 1-5 by 2001 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 1; S.I. 2001/3089, art. 2

F31 S. 11 repealed (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 8, Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

12 Supplementary provisions. U.K.

(1) Where particulars of an intended bet on which general betting duty or pool betting duty would be chargeable and the stake on that bet are collected for transmission to the person by whom that duty would fall to be paid by some other person, whether or not a bookmaker, who holds himself out as available for so collecting and transmitting them, but are in fact not so transmitted, the bet shall be deemed to have been made but the duty in respect of it shall be paid by that other person.

(2) The provisions of Schedule 1 to this Act (supplementary provisions as to betting duties) shall have effect.

(3) In sections 1 to 10 above F32 . . . , in subsection (1) above and in paragraph 10 of Schedule 1 to this Act, “bet” does not include any bet made or stake hazarded in the course of, or incidentally to, any gaming.

(4) In this Part of this Act—

• [F33 “betting office licence”—

(a) in Great Britain, has the meaning given by section 9(1) of the M2 Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, and

(b) in Northern Ireland, means a bookmaking office licence as defined in Article 2(2) of the M3 Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985;

• “bookmaker”—

(a) in Great Britain, has the meaning given by section 55(1) of the said Act of 1963, and

(b) in Northern Ireland has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the said Order of 1985;

and (in either case) the expression “bookmaking” shall be construed accordingly;

• “bookmaker’s permit”—

(a) in Great Britain, has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the said Act of 1963, and

(b) in Northern Ireland, means a bookmaker’s licence as defined in Article 2(2) of the said Order of 1985;]

• “meeting” means any occasion on any one day on which events take place on any track;

• “on-course bet” means a bet made in the course of a meeting, either by means of a totalisator situated on premises forming part of the track or with a bookmaker present at the meeting, where—

(a) the person making the bet (that is to say, the person originating the bet and not any agent or intermediary) is present at the meeting, or

(b) the bet is made by a person carrying on a bookmaking business acting as principal (and not acting as agent for, or on behalf of, some other person);

• “operator”, in relation to bets made by means of a totalisator, means the person who, as principal, operates the totalisator;

• “promoter”, in relation to any betting, means the person to whom the persons making the bets look for the payment of their winnings, if any;

• [F34 “sponsored pool, betting” has the meaning given by section 55(1) of the said Act of 1963;

• “totalisator” has the meaning given by section 55(1) of the said Act of 1963 and Article 2(2) of the said Order of 1985;

• “track”—

(a) in Great Britain, has the meaning given by section 55(1) of the said Act of 1963, and

(b) in Northern Ireland, has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the said Order of 1985;]

• “winnings” includes winnings of any kind, and references to amount and to payment in relation to winnings shall be construed accordingly;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F35

(5) In this Part of this Act references to this Part of this Act include Schedule 1 to this Act.

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in s. 12(3) repealed (retrospective to 24.4.2002) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), ss. 12(1)(2)(6), 141, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 9, Sch. 40 Pt. 1(4)

F33 Definitions “betting office licence”, “bookmaker” and “bookmaker's permit” inserted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 para. 4(a)

F34 Definitions “sponsored pool betting”, “totaliser” and “track” inserted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 para. 4(b)

F35 Words repealed by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), ss. 6, 114(6), Sch. 4 para. 4(c), Sch. 23 Pt. III Notes (a)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 12 applied (17.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2679, art. 3.

Marginal Citations

M2 1963 c. 2(12:1).

M3 S.I. 1985/1204 (N.I. 11).

Part II U.K. Gaming Duties

Gaming licence duty U.K.

F36 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 13 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2 (with s. 10).

F37 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 14 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F38 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 15 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F39 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 16 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

Bingo duty U.K.

Valid from 10/07/2003

20A Combined bingo U.K.

(1) A game of bingo is “combined bingo” if—

(a) it is multiple bingo within the meaning of section 1 of the Gaming (Bingo) Act 1985, or

(b) it is played in more than one place and promoted by more than one person.

(2) Payments made in respect of entitlement to participate in combined bingo shall be treated for the purposes of section 19(1) as bingo receipts only of the first promoter to whom (or at whose direction) they are paid.

(3) Where money representing stakes hazarded at combined bingo is paid in an accounting period by one promoter of the bingo (“the first promoter”) to another (“the second promoter”)—

(a) the money shall not be treated as a bingo receipt of the second promoter for the purposes of section 19(1),

(b) the payment shall be treated as expenditure of the first promoter on bingo winnings for the accounting period for the purposes of section 20(1), and

(c) no subsequent payment of all or part of the money shall be treated as expenditure on bingo winnings for the purposes of section 20(1) (whether paid by the second promoter to another person, by the first promoter having received it from the second promoter, or otherwise).

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) shall apply only where the combined bingo is played entirely in the United Kingdom.

Valid from 10/07/2003

[F40 20B Carrying losses forward U.K.

(1) Where the calculation of a person’s bingo promotion profits for an accounting period results in a negative amount (“the loss”)—

(a) no bingo duty shall be chargeable in respect of that accounting period, and

(b) for the purpose of section 17(3), the amount of the person’s expenditure on bingo winnings for the next accounting period shall be increased by the amount of the loss.

(2) Subsection (1) applies to an accounting period whether or not the loss results wholly or partly from the previous application of that subsection.]

Textual Amendments

F40 Ss. 17-20C substituted (with effect as mentioned in s. 9(10) of the amending Act) for ss. 17-20 by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 9(1)

Valid from 10/07/2003

20C Supplementary U.K.

(1) Part 2 of Schedule 3 to this Act (bingo duty: supplementary) shall have effect.

(2) In sections 17 to 20B above, this section and Schedule 3—

• “bingo” includes any version of that game, whatever name it is called,

• “licensed bingo” means bingo played at premises licensed under—

  (a)

  the Gaming Act 1968, or

  (b)

  Chapter II of Part III of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985,

• “prize” means anything won at bingo, and

• “United Kingdom” includes the territorial sea of the United Kingdom.

(3) For the purposes of those provisions, except in relation to combined bingo, the promoter of a game of bingo is—

(a) in the case of licensed bingo, the holder of the licence, and

(b) in the case of non-licensed bingo, the person who provides the facilities for the game.

(4) For the purposes of those provisions in relation to combined bingo a person promotes a game of bingo if he is wholly or partly responsible for organising it or for providing facilities for it.

(5) In those provisions a reference to entitlement to participate in a game of bingo includes a reference to an opportunity to participate in a game of bingo in respect of which a charge is made (whether by way of a fee for participation, a stake, or both).

(6) In proceedings relating to bingo duty under the customs and excise Acts an averment in any process that a particular game is a version of bingo shall, until the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence that it is.

17 Bingo duty. U.K.

(1) A duty of excise, to be known as bingo duty, shall be charged on the playing of bingo in [F41 the United Kingdom] except in the cases specified in Part I of Schedule 3 to this Act.

(2) Bingo duty shall be charged in respect of bingo played in a particular week; and the amount of the duty shall be—

(a) 10 per cent. of the total of the money taken [F42 if any] by or on behalf of the promoter in that week as payment by players for their cards, plus

(b) (subject to section 19(1) below) one ninth of the amount (if any) by which that total, after deduction of the 10 per cent. chargeable under paragraph (a) above, is exceeded by the total value of the prizes won in that week’s bingo.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a player’s “cards” are the sets of numbers or symbols (in whatever form or lay-out) with which he plays bingo, matching them against calls made by the house; and a player pays for a card when he gives money in exchange for, or for the use of, a particular card, whether it is appropriated to a particular game or can be appropriated by the player to a game of his choice.

Textual Amendments

F41 Words substituted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 para. 5

F42 Words inserted by Finance Act 1982 (c. 39, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 6 Pt. IV para. 4

18 Payment and recovery of bingo duty. U.K.

(1) Bingo duty shall be paid by the promoter of the bingo.

(2) Bingo duty shall be recoverable jointly and severally from all or any of the following persons—

(a) the promoter;

(b) any person who took money as payment by players for cards or paid prizes to players;

(c) any person who was responsible for the management of the premises on which bingo was played;

(d) where any person within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above is a company, any director of the company.

19 Play in more than one place. U.K.

(1) Where bingo is promoted at one place and, for the purpose of a particular game, it is combined with bingo played at another place and promoted by another person, so that the players at both places share in the chance of winning a prize contributed partly by one promoter and partly by the other, then for the purposes of the charge to bingo duty under section 17(2)(b) above—

(a) as against the promoter of the bingo at the place where the prize is won there shall be counted so much only of the value of the prize as represents his contribution, and

(b) so much of the value of the prize as represents the contribution of the other promoter shall be counted as a prize won at bingo promoted by him;

and where the prize is provided wholly by or on behalf of one of the promoters concerned, its whole value shall be counted against him under section 17(2)(b), wherever it is won.

(2) It shall not be lawful for a game of bingo, being bingo which is chargeable with bingo duty and is promoted at a place in [F43 the United Kingdom], to be combined as mentioned in subsection (1) above with other bingo played elsewhere than in [F43 the United Kingdom], except where the other bingo is played in . . . F44 the Isle of Man and is chargeable, under an Act of . . . F44 Tynwald, with duty corresponding to bingo duty and at a rate not less than that which is chargeable under section 17 above.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words substituted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 para. 6(a)

F44 Words repealed by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), ss. 6, 114(6), Sch. 4 para. 6(b), Sch. 23 Pt. III Notes (a)(b)

20 Supplementary provisions as to bingo duty. U.K.

(1) The provisions of Part II of Schedule 3 to this Act (supplementary provisions as to bingo duty) shall have effect.

(2) In sections 17 to 19 above and in Schedule 3 to this Act—

• “bingo” includes any version of that game, by whatever name called;

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F45

• “money” includes any token, voucher or other object given by a player in exchange for cards and recognised for the purpose of the exchange to represent a particular sum of money;

• “prize” means anything won or to be won at bingo, whether money or something else having a value, and “value” and “paid”, in relation to prizes, shall be construed accordingly;

• “the promoter”, in relation to bingo, means the person to whom the players look for the payment of prizes, and “promote” and “promotion” shall be construed accordingly: and

• [F46 “United Kingdom” includes the territorial waters of the United Kingdom;]

• “week” means a period of seven days beginning with Monday.

(3) In proceedings relating to bingo duty under the customs and excise Acts an averment in any process that a particular game is a version of bingo shall, until the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence that it is so.

Textual Amendments

F45 Definition repealed by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), ss. 6, 114(6), Sch. 4 para. 6(b), Sch. 23 Pt. III, Notes (a)(b)

F46 Definition inserted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 para. 7

Gaming machine licence duty U.K.

[F47 21 Gaming machine licence duty. U.K.

(1) Except in the cases specified in Part I of Schedule 4 to this Act, no [F48 amusement machine]] (other than [F49 an excepted machine]) shall be provided [F50 for play] on any premises situated in [F51 the United Kingdom] unless there is for the time being in force [F52 a licence granted under this Part of this Act with respect to the premises [F53 or the machine].

(2) Such a licence shall be known as [F54 an amusement machine licence][F55 and, if it is granted with respect to a machine, rather than with respect to premises, as a special amusement machine licence.]]

[F56 (3) [F57 An amusement machine licence]may be granted for a period of a month, or of any number of months not exceeding twelve, beginning on any day of any month]

[F58 (3AA) A special amusement machine licence shall not be granted except where—

(a) the machine with respect to which it is granted is of a description of machine for which special amusement machine licences are available;

(b) such conditions as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Commissioners are satisfied in relation to the application for the licence, the machine and the person by whom the application is made; and

(c) the licence is for twelve months.

(3AB) Special amusement machine licences shall be available for amusement machines of each of the following descriptions—

(a) machines that are not gaming machines; and

(b) small prize machines.]

[F59 (3A) For the purposes of this section an excepted machine is—

(a) a two-penny machine, or

[F60 F61 (b) a [F62 ten-penny machine]] which is a small prize machine; or

[F60 (c) a fifty-penny machine that is not a gaming machine.]]

[F63 (3B) For the purposes of this section an amusement machine is a fifty-penny machine if, and only if—

(a) where it is a machine on which a game can be played solo, the price for a solo game does not exceed 50p; and

(b) where it is a machine on which a game can be played by more than one person at a time, the price to participate in such a game does not exceed 50p.]

(3C) For the purposes of this section the price for a solo game on a machine does not exceed [F64 50p] if the denomination or aggregate denomination of the coin or coins that must be inserted into the machine to play the game solo does not or, where the machine provides differing numbers of games in different circumstances, cannot exceed [F64 50p] for each time the game is played.

(3D) For the purposes of this section the price to participate in a game on the machine for two or more players does not exceed 50p if the denomination or aggregate denomination of the coin or coins that must be inserted into the machine to play the game simultaneously with more than one player does not exceed or, where the machine provides differing numbers of games in different circumstances, cannot exceed 50p per player for each time the game is played.

(3E) For the purposes of this section a game is played solo if it is played by one person at a time (whether or not against a previous player).

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F47 S. 21 substituted by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 12:2), s. 7(1)(2) Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2

F48 Words in s. 21(1) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 2(1)(a).

F49 Words in s. 21(1) substituted (27.7.1993 with application in relation to licences for any period beginning on or after 1.11.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 16(2)(9)

F50 Words in s. 21(1) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 2(1)(a).

F51 Words substituted by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 1(1)

F52 Words following “force” in subsection (1) to the end of subsection (2) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 3(2).

F53 Words in s. 21(1) inserted (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 12(1).

F54 Words in s. 21(2) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 2(1)(b).

F55 Words in s. 21(2) inserted (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 12(2).

F56 S. 21(3) substituted (3.5.1994) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(2).

F57 Words in s. 21(3) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 2(1)(c).

F58 S. 21(3AA)(3AB) inserted (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 12(3).

F59 S. 21(3A) inserted (27.7.1993 with application in relation to licences for any period beginning on or after 1.11.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 16(3)(9)

F60 S. 21(3A)(c) substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 8(6) of the amending Act) for s. 21(3A)(c)(d) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 8(2)

F61 S. 21(3A)(b)(c) substituted (1.4.1998 with effect in relation to the provision of an amusement machine at any time on or after 1.4.1998) by 1998 c. 36, s. 13(1)(2).

F62 Words in s. 21(3A)(b) substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 2

F63 S. 21(3B) substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 8(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 8(3)

F64 Sums in s. 21(3C) substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 8(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 8(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 21(3) extended (1.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 5 of the amending act) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 5(5)(6).

S. 21(3) extended (3.5.1994 with effect in relation to gaming machine licences granted for any period beginning on or after 1.4.1994) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 4(3)(4).

F65 21A.— . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F65 S. 21A repealed (1.5.1995) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 3(3)(11), Sch. 26 Pt. II Note.

22 Gaming machine licence duty. U.K.

(1) A duty of excise shall be charged on [F66 amusement machine] licences and the duty on a licence shall be determined [F67 in accordance with section 23 below]

[F68 (2) For the purposes of this Act

[F69 (a)] [F70 an amusement machine is a small-prize machine if it is a prize machine and] the value or aggregate value of the benefits in money or money’s worth, which any player who is successful in a single game played by means of the machine may receive, cannot exceed [F71 £8]

[F72 (b) an amusement machine is a medium-prize machine if it is a prize machine and the value or aggregate value of the benefits in money or money’s worth, which any player who is successful in a single game played by means of the machine may receive, can exceed £8 but cannot exceed [F73 £25].]

(3) The Commissioners may by order substitute for [F74 a sum] for the time being mentioned in subsection (2) above such higher sum as may be specified in the order, with effect from a date so specified.]

F75 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F76

Textual Amendments

F66 Words in s. 22(1) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 3(1).

F67 Words in s. 22(1) substituted (27.7.1993 with application in relation to licences for any period beginning on or after 1.11.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 16(4)(a)(9)

F68 S. 22(2)(3) substituted for s. 22(2) to (4) by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 3(2)

F69 Words in s. 22(2) renumbered as sub-paragragh (a) (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by virtue of 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(a)

F70 Words in s. 22(2) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 3(2).

F71 Word in s. 22(2)(a) substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(b)

F72 S. 22(2)(b) inserted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(c)

F73 Words in s. 22(2)(b) substituted (14.1.2002) by S.I. 2001/4028, art. 2

F74 Words in s. 22(3) substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)

F75 S. 22(5) repealed (3.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 9 of the amending act) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(3)(9), Sch. 26 Pt. II Note.

F76 S. 22(6) repealed by Finance Act 1982 (c. 39, SIF 12:2), s. 157, Sch. 22 Pt. III Note

[F77 23 Amount of duty. U.K.

(1) The amount of duty payable on [F78 an amusement machine licence]] shall be—

(a) the appropriate amount for the machine which it authorises, or

(b) if it authorises two or more machines, the aggregate of the appropriate amounts for each of those machines.

(2) The appropriate amount for each machine shall be determined in accordance with the following Table by reference to—

(a) the period for which the licence is granted, and

(b) whether the machine falls within [F79 Category A, Category B, Category C, Category D or Category E],

and references in this Part to a rate of [F80 amusement] machine licence duty are references to [F81 the rate for the category of machine in question in column 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the Table]

[F82 TABLE

(1)	(2)	(3)	F83 (4)	(5)	F84 (6)
Period (in months) for which licence granted	Category A	Category B	Category C	Category D	Category E
	£	£	£	£	£
1	30	80	80	165	225
2	50	150	160	320	435
3	75	220	235	470	630
4	95	285	305	605	820
5	120	345	370	735	990
6	140	400	430	855	1155
7	160	450	485	965	1300
8	185	500	535	1,065	1440
9	205	540	585	1,155	1560
10	225	580	625	1,240	1675
11	240	615	665	1,310	1775
12	250	645	695	1,375	1860]

[F85 (3) The machines comprised in each category referred to in this section are as follows—

Category A: any machine which is not a gaming machine;

Category B: any gaming machine which is a small-prize machine or five-penny machine;

Category C: any gaming machine which is a medium-prize machine, unless it is also a five-penny machine;

Category D: any gaming machine which is a ten-penny machine, unless it is also—

(a) a five-penny machine,

(b) a small-prize machine, or

(c) a medium-prize machine;

Category E: any machine which is not in any other category.]

Textual Amendments

F77 S. 23 substituted (with effect on 1.5.1994) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(4)(9).

F78 Words in s. 23(1) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 4(1).

F79 Words in s. 23(2)(b) substituted (with effect in relation to any amusement machine licence for which an application is received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise after 4.8.2000) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 paras. 4(1)(a), 7

F80 Words in s. 23(2) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 4(2)(b).

F81 Words in s. 23(2) substituted (with effect in relation to any amusement machine licence for which an application is received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise after 4.8.2000) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 paras. 4(1)(b), 7

F82 Table in s. 23(2) substituted (with effect in relation to any amusement machine licence for which an application is received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise after 4.8.2000) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 paras. 4(1)(c), 7

F83 Column (4) in Table in s. 23(2) substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 9(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 9(1)

F84 Column (6) in Table in s. 23(2) substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 9(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 9(1)

F85 S. 23(3) inserted (with effect in relation to any amusement machine licence for which an application is received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise after 4.8.2000) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 paras. 4(2), 7

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 23 extended (with effect in relation to gaming machine licences granted for any period beginning on or after 1.4.1994) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 4(3)(4).

S. 23 extended (1.5.1994) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 5(5)(6).

24 Restrictions on provision of gaming machines. U.K.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F86

F87 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) [F88 Amusement machines] chargeable at a particular rate shall not be provided on any F89 . . . premises in excess of the number authorised by the licence [F90 or licences] authorising the provision of [F91 amusement machines] chargeable at that rate F92 . . ..

(4) Where a licence which authorises the provision of [F91 amusement machines] chargeable at one rate only is in force in respect of any F89 . . . premises, [F91 amusement machines] chargeable at any other rate shall not be provided [F93 for play] on those premises unless another licence authorising the provision of [F91 amusement machines] chargeable at that other rate is also in force in respect of the premises [F94 or there are special licences in force with respect to those machines][F95 or the machines].

(5) If any [F96 amusement machine] is provided for gaming on any premises in contravention of [F97 section 21(1) above or] this section, [F98 the provision of the machine shall attract a penalty under section 9 of the Finance Act 1994 (civil penalties) and, for the purposes of the application of that section to the conduct attracting the penalty, the provision of the machine shall be treated as the conduct of each of the persons who, at the time when the [F96 amusement machine] is provided]—

(a) is the owner, lessee or occupier of the premises, or

(b) is for the time being responsible to the owner, lessee or occupier for the management of the premises, or

(c) is a person responsible for issuing or exchanging coins or tokens for use in playing any gaming machine on the premises, or otherwise for controlling the use of any such machine, or

(d) is for the time being responsible for controlling the admission of persons to the premises or for providing persons resorting thereto with any goods or services, or

(e) is the owner or hirer of the machine, or

(f) is a party to any contract under which [F99 an][F96 amusement machine] may, or is required to, be on the premises at that time,

F100 . . .

(6) If any [F96 amusement machine] is provided [F93 for play] on any premises in contravention of [F97 section 21(1) above or] this section and any such person as is mentioned in subsection (5) above knowingly or recklessly brought about the contravention or took any steps with a view to procuring it he shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

[F101 (a) on summary conviction to a penalty—

(i) of the prescribed sum, F102 . . ., or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both such penalty and imprisonment;]

(b) on conviction on indictment to a penalty of any amount or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

Textual Amendments

F86 S. 24(1) repealed by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 12:2), ss. 7(1)(2), 128(6), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 6(a), Sch. 23 Pt. II Note

F87 S. 24(2) repealed (3.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 1(9)) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(5)(a)(9).

F88 Words in s. 24 substituted for “Gaming machines” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 5(a).

F89 Word in s. 24(3)(4) repealed (3.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 1(9)) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(5)(b)(9).

F90 Words inserted by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 12:2), s. 7(1)(2), Sch. 3 para. 6(c)

F91 Words in s. 24 substituted for “gaming machines” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 5(a).

F92 Words in s. 24(3) repealed (1.5.1995) by virtue of 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 3(4)(a)(11), Sch. 26 Pt. II Note.

F93 Words in s. 24 substituted for “for gaming” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 5(c).

F94 Words added by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 12:2), s. 7(1)(2), Sch. 3 para. 6(d)

F95 Words in s. 24(4) inserted (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 12(4).

F96 Words in s. 24 substituted for “gaming machine” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 5(a).

F97 Words inserted by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 12:2), s. 7(1)(2), Sch. 3 para. 6(e)

F98 Words in s. 24(5) substituted (1.1.1995) by 1994 c. 9, s. 9, Sch. 4 Pt. V para. 61(a) (with s. 19(3)); S.I. 1994/2679, art. 3.

F99 Word in s. 24(5)(f) substituted for “an” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 5(b).

F100 Words after s. 24(5)(f) repealed (1.1.1995) by 1994 c. 9, ss. 9, 258, Sch. 4 Pt. V para. 61(b), Sch. 26 Pt. III Note (with s. 19(3)); S.I. 1994/2679, art. 3.

F101 S. 24(6)(a) substituted by Finance Act 1982 (c. 39, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 6 Pt. V para. 12

F102 Words in s. 24(6)(a) from “or” to “greater” repealed (3.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 1(9)) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(5)(c)(9).

[F103 24A Unlicensed machines: duty chargeable. U.K.

Schedule 4A to this Act (which provides for the recovery of amusement machine licence duty in relation to unlawfully unlicensed machines) shall have effect.]

Textual Amendments

F103 S. 24A inserted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 p26.ara. 9

25 Meaning of “gaming machine”. U.K.

[F104 (1) A machine is an amusement machine for the purposes of this Act if—

(a) the machine is constructed or adapted for the playing of any game (whether a game of chance, a game of skill or a game of chance and skill combined);

(b) the game is one played by means of the machine (whether automatically or by the operation of the machine by the player or players);

(c) a player pays to play the game (except where he has an opportunity to play without payment as a result of having previously played successfully) either by inserting a coin or token into the machine or in some other way;

(d) the machine automatically—

(i) applies some or all of the rules of the game or displays or records scores in the game; and

(ii) determines when a player who has paid to play a game by means of the machine can no longer play without paying again;

and

(e) the machine is a gaming machine, a video machine or a pinball machine.

(1A) A machine constructed or adapted for the playing of a game is a gaming machine for the purposes of this Act if—

(a) it is a prize machine;

(b) the game which is played by means of the machine is a game of chance, a game of chance and skill combined or a pretended game of chance or of chance and skill combined; and

(c) the outcome of the game is determined by the chances inherent in the action of the machine, whether or not provision is made for manipulation of the machine by a player;

and for the purposes of this subsection a game in which the elements of chance can be overcome by skill shall be treated as a game of chance and skill combined if there is an element of chance in the game that cannot be overcome except by superlative skill.

(1B) A machine constructed or adapted for the playing of a game is a video machine for the purposes of this Act if—

(a) a micro-processor is used to control some or all of the machine’s functions; and

(b) the playing of the game involves information or images being communicated or displayed to the player or players by means of any description of screen F105 . . ..

(1C) For the purposes of this Act an amusement machine is a prize machine unless it is constructed or adapted so that a person playing it once and successfully either receives nothing or receives only—

(a) an opportunity, afforded by the automatic action of the machine, to play again (once or more often) without paying, or

(b) a prize, determined by the automatic action of the machine and consisting in either—

(i) money of an amount not exceeding the sum payable to play the machine once, or

(ii) a token which is, or two or more tokens which in the aggregate are, exchangeable for money of an amount not exceeding that sum.]

[F106 (4) Subject to subsection (5) below, for the purposes of determining whether a machine is [F107 a machine of any description]][F108 other than [F109 a fifty-penny machine within section 21(3B) above]] it is immaterial whether it is capable of being played by only one person at a time, or is capable of being played by more than one person.

[F110 (5) For the purposes of sections 21 to 24 above a machine (the actual machine) in relation to which the number determined in accordance with subsection (5A) below is more than one shall be treated (instead of as one machine) as if it were a number of machines (accountable machines) equal to the number so determined.

(5A) That number is—

(a) except where paragraph (b) below applies, the number of individual playing positions provided on the machine for persons to play simultaneously (whether or not while participating in the same game); and

(b) where—

(i) that machine is a video machine but not a gaming machine, and

(ii) the number of such playing positions is more than the number of different screens used for the communication or display of information or images to any person or persons playing a game by means of the machine,

the number of such screens.

(6) Subsection (5) above does not apply [F111 for the purpose of determining whether a machine is [F109 a fifty-penny machine within section 21(3B) above] , or in the case of a pinball machine or a machine that is an excepted machine]].

(7) Any question whether the accountable machines are, or are not, machines falling within any of the following descriptions, that is to say—

(a) gaming machines,

(b) prize machines,

(c) small-prize machines, F112 . . .

[F113 (cc) medium-prize machines,

(cd) ten-penny machines, or]

(d) five-penny machines,

shall be determined according to whether or not the actual machine is a machine of that description, with the accountable machines being taken to be machines of the same description as the actual machine.

Textual Amendments

F104 S. 25(1)-(1C) substituted for s. 25(1)-(3) (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 6(1).

F105 Words in s. 25(1B)(b) repealed (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(2) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, ss. 17, 156, Sch. 2 para. 5(1), Sch. 40 Pt. I(3) Note

F106 S. 25(4)-(9) substituted (27.7.1993 with application in relation to licences for any period beginning on or after 1.11.1993) for s. 25(4) by 1993 c. 34, s. 16(6)(9)

F107 Words in s. 25(4) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 6(2).

F108 Words in s. 25(4) inserted (31.7.1998) by 1998 c. 26, s. 14(3)(a)(4).

F109 Words in s. 25(4)(6) substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 8(6) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 8(5)

F110 S. 25(5)-(7) substituted for s. 25(5)-(9) (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 6(3).

F111 Words in s. 25(6) substituted (31.7.1998) by 1998 c. 36, s. 14(3)(4)

F112 Word in s. 25(7)(c) repealed (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, ss. 17, 156, Sch. 2 para. 5(2), Sch. 40 Pt. I(3) Note

F113 S. 25(7)(cc)(cd) inserted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 5(2)

25A Power to modify definition of “amusement machine”. U.K.

(1) The Treasury may by order modify the provisions of section 25 above—

(a) by adding to the machines for the time being specified in subsection (1)(e) of that section any description of machines which it appears to them, having regard to the use to which the machines are put, to be appropriate for the protection of the revenue so to add to those machines; or

(b) by deleting any description of machines for the time being so specified.

(2) An order under this section may make such incidental, consequential or transitional provision as the Treasury think fit, including provision modifying section 21 or section 25(5A) above for the purpose of—

(a) specifying the circumstances (if any) in which a machine added to section 25(1)(e) above is to be an excepted machine for the purposes of section 21 above; or

(b) determining the number which, in the case of a machine so added, is to be taken into account for the purposes of section 25(5) above.

26 Supplementary provisions as to gaming machine licence duty. U.K.

(1) The provisions of Part II of Schedule 4 to this Act (supplementary provisions as to [F114 amusement machine licence duty]) shall have effect.

(2) In sections 21 to 25 above and in Schedule 4 to this Act—

• “coin” means coin lawfully current in the United Kingdom;

• [F115 “United Kingdom” includes the territorial waters of the United Kingdom;

• [F116 “video machine” has the meaning given by section 25(1B) above;

• “prize machine” has the meaning given by section 25(1C) above;]

• “small-prize machine” has the meaning given by section 22(2) above.]

• [F117 “two-penny machine” means [F118 an amusement machine] which can only be played by the insertion into the machine of a coin or coins of a denomination, or aggregate denomination, not exceeding 2p]

• [F119 “five-penny machine” means [F118 an amusement machine] which can only be played by the insertion into the machine of a coin or coins of a denomination, or aggregate denomination, not exceeding 5p; and]

• [F120 “ten-penny machine” means an amusement machine which can only be played by the insertion into the machine of coins of a denomination, or aggregate denomination, not exceeding 10p;.]

• F121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “premises” includes any place whatsoever and any means of transport.

[F122 (2A) References in sections 21 to 25 above and in this section and Schedule 4 to this Act to a game, in relation to any machine, include references to a game in the nature of a quiz or puzzle and to a game which is played solely by way of a pastime or against the machine, as well as one played wholly or partly against one or more contemporaneous or previous players.]

(3) A machine is provided [F123 for play] on any premises if it is made available on those premises in such a way that persons resorting to them can play it; and [F124 subject to subsection (3A) below] where on any premises one or more [F125 amusement machines] are so made available, any such machine anywhere on the premises shall be treated as provided [F123 for play] on those premises, notwithstanding that it is not so made available or is not in a state in which it can be played.

[F126 (3A) The Commissioners may by regulations make provision for the purpose of enabling spare [F125 amusement machines] to be kept on premises for use in the case of the breakdown of other [F125 amusement machines] on those premises: and such regulations may provide that, in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the regulations, [F118 an amusement machine] on any premises which is not made available as mentioned in subsection (3) above, or is not in a state in which it can be played, shall not be treated by virtue of that subsection as provided [F123 for play] on those premises.]

[F127 (4) Where the game playable by means of [F118 an amusement machine] can be played more than once for the insertion of a coin or coins of a denomination, or aggregate denomination, exceeding any sum in pence mentioned in F128 . . . subsection (2) above, the machine is to be treated for the purposes of [F129 that provision] as if it can only be played by the insertion into it of a coin of a denomination not exceeding that sum if, in effect, the amount payable to play the game once does not exceed that sum or, where the machine provides differing numbers of games in differing circumstances, cannot exceed that sum.]

Textual Amendments

F114 Words in s. 26(1) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 8(1)(a).

F115 Entries substituted for entry relating to “Great Britain” by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 6

F116 Definitions of “video machine” and “prize machine” inserted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 8(2)(a).

F117 Definition substituted for definition “penny machine” by Finance Act 1982 (c. 39, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 6 Pt. V para. 14(1)

F118 Words in s. 26 substituted for “a gaming machine” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 8(1)(b).

F119 Definition in s. 26(2) inserted (27.7.1993 with application in relation to licences for any period beginning on or after 1.11.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 16(7)(9)

F120 S. 26(2): definition of “ten-penny machine” inserted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 17, Sch. 2 para. 6

F121 S. 26(2): definition of “thirty-five penny machine” repealed (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 8(6) of the repealing Act) by Finance Act 2002 (c. 23), s. 141, Sch. 40 Pt. 1(3)

F122 S. 26(2A) inserted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 8(3).

F123 Words in s. 26 substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 8(1)(c).

F124 Words inserted by Finance Act 1987 (c. 16, SIF 12:2), s. 5(2)

F125 Words in s. 26 substituted for “gaming machines” (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 8(1)(b).

F126 S. 26(3A) inserted by Finance Act 1987 (c. 16, SIF 12:2), s. 5(3)

F127 S. 26(4) inserted by Finance Act 1982 (c. 49, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 6 Pt. V para. 14(2)

F128 Words in s. 26(4) repealed (3.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 1(9) of amending act) by 1994 c. 9, ss. 6, 258, Sch. 3 para. 1(6)(a)(9), Sch. 26 Pt. II Note.

F129 Words in s. 26(4) substituted (3.5.1994 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 3 para. 1(9) of amending act) by 1994 c. 9, s. 6, Sch. 3 para. 1(6)(b)(9).

Valid from 10/07/2003

F130 26A Amounts in currencies other than sterling U.K.

(1) Any reference in this Part of this Act to a amount in sterling, in the context of—

(a) the cost of playing a game, or

(b) the amount of the prize for a game,

includes a reference to the equivalent amount in another currency.

(2) The equivalent amount in another currency, in relation to any day, shall be determined by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the previous day.

(3) For the purposes of determining what duty is payable on an amusement machine licence in a case where this section applies, the equivalent in another currency of an amount in sterling shall be taken to be its equivalent on the day on which the application for the licence is received by the Commissioners, or the due date in the case of a default licence.

(4) In subsection (3) above—

• “default licence” means a licence granted under paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 4A to this Act;

• “due date” has the meaning given by paragraph 2(4) of that Schedule.

Textual Amendments

F130 S. 26A renumbered (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) as s. 26N by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 1; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

Valid from 19/07/2007

[F131 Remote gaming duty U.K.

Textual Amendments

F131 Ss. 26A-26M and cross-heading inserted (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

26B The duty U.K.

A duty of excise to be known as remote gaming duty shall be charged on the provision of facilities for remote gaming if—

(a) the facilities are provided in reliance on a remote operating licence, or

(b) at least one piece of remote gambling equipment used in the provision of the facilities is situated in the United Kingdom (whether or not the facilities are provided for use wholly or partly in the United Kingdom).

26C The rate U.K.

(1) Remote gaming duty is chargeable at the rate of 15% of P's remote gaming profits for an accounting period.

(2) P's remote gaming profits for an accounting period are—

(a) the amount of P's remote gaming receipts for the period (calculated in accordance with section 26E), minus

(b) the amount of P's expenditure for the period on remote gaming winnings (calculated in accordance with section 26F).

26D Accounting periods U.K.

(1) The following are accounting periods for the purposes of remote gaming duty—

(a) the period of three months beginning with 1st January,

(b) the period of three months beginning with 1st April,

(c) the period of three months beginning with 1st July, and

(d) the period of three months beginning with 1st October.

(2) The Commissioners may agree with P for specified periods to be treated as accounting periods, instead of those described in subsection (1), for purposes of remote gaming duty relating to P.

(3) The Commissioners may by direction make transitional arrangements for the periods to be treated as accounting periods where—

(a) P becomes registered, or ceases to be registered, under section 26J, or

(b) an agreement under subsection (2) begins or ends.

26E Remote gaming receipts U.K.

(1) The amount of P's remote gaming receipts for an accounting period is the aggregate of—

(a) amounts falling due to P in that period in respect of entitlement to use facilities for remote gaming provided by P, and

(b) amounts staked, or falling due to be paid, in that period by a user of facilities for remote gaming provided by P, if or in so far as responsibility for paying any amount won by the user falls on P (or a person with whom P is connected or has made arrangements).

(2) Amounts in respect of VAT shall be ignored for the purposes of subsection (1).

(3) The Treasury may by order provide that where a person who uses facilities (U) relies on an offer which waives payment or permits payment of less than the amount which would have been required to be paid without the offer, U is to be treated for the purposes of this section as having paid that amount.

26F Remote gaming winnings U.K.

(1) The amount of P's expenditure on remote gaming winnings for an accounting period is the aggregate of the value of prizes provided by P in that period which have been won (at any time) by persons using facilities for remote gaming provided by P.

(2) Prizes provided by P to one user on behalf of another are not to be treated as prizes provided by P.

(3) A reference to providing a prize to a user (U) includes a reference to crediting money in respect of gaming winnings by U to an account if U is notified that—

(a) the money is being held in the account, and

(b) U is entitled to withdraw it on demand.

(4) The return of a stake is to be treated as the provision of a prize.

(5) Where P participates in arrangements under which a number of persons who provide facilities for remote gaming contribute towards a fund which is wholly used to provide prizes in connection with the use of those facilities (sometimes described as arrangements for “linked progressive jackpot games ”)—

(a) the making by P of a contribution which relates to the provision by P of facilities for remote gaming shall be treated as the provision of a prize, and

(b) the award of a prize from the fund shall not be treated as the provision of a prize by P.

(6) Where P credits the account of a user of facilities provided by P (otherwise than as described in subsection (3)), the credit shall be treated as the provision of a prize; but the Commissioners may direct that this subsection shall not apply in a specified case or class of cases.

(7) Subsections (2) to (6) of section 20 shall apply (with any necessary modifications) for the purpose of remote gaming duty as for the purpose of bingo duty.

26G Losses U.K.

Where the calculation of P's remote gaming profits for an accounting period produces a negative amount, it may be carried forward in reduction of the profits of one or more later accounting periods.

26H Exemptions U.K.

(1) Remote gaming duty shall not be charged in respect of the provision of facilities for remote gaming if and in so far as—

(a) the provision is charged with another gambling tax, or

(b) the use of the facilities is charged with another gambling tax.

(2) Remote gaming duty shall not be charged in respect of the provision of facilities for remote gaming if and in so far as—

(a) the provision would be charged with another gambling tax but for an express exception, or

(b) the use of the facilities would be charged with another gambling tax but for an express exception.

(3) In this section “gambling tax” means—

(a) amusement machine licence duty,

(b) bingo duty,

(c) gaming duty,

(d) general betting duty,

(e) lottery duty, and

(f) pool betting duty.

(4) The Treasury may by order—

(a) confer an exemption from remote gaming duty, or

(b) remove or vary (whether or not by textual amendment) an exemption under this section.

(5) In calculating P's remote gaming profits for an accounting period, no account shall be taken of amounts or prizes if, or in so far as, they relate to the provision of facilities to which an exemption applies under or by virtue of this section.

26I Liability to pay U.K.

(1) P is liable for any remote gaming duty charged on P's remote gaming profits for an accounting period.

(2) If P is a body corporate, P and P's directors are jointly and severally liable for any remote gaming duty charged on P's remote gaming profits for an accounting period.

(3) The Commissioners may make regulations about payment of remote gaming duty; and the regulations may, in particular, make provision about—

(a) timing;

(b) instalments;

(c) methods of payment;

(d) when payment is to be treated as made;

(e) the process and effect of assessments by the Commissioners of amounts due.

(4) Subject to regulations under subsection (3), section 12 of the Finance Act 1994 (assessment) shall apply in relation to liability to pay remote gaming duty.

26J Registration U.K.

(1) The Commissioners shall maintain a register of persons who provide facilities for remote gaming in respect of which remote gaming duty may be chargeable.

(2) A person may not provide facilities for remote gaming in respect of which remote gaming duty may be chargeable without being registered.

(3) The Commissioners may make regulations about registration; in particular, the regulations may include provision (which may include provision conferring a discretion on the Commissioners) about—

(a) the procedure for applying for registration;

(b) the timing of applications;

(c) the information to be provided;

(d) notification of changes;

(e) de-registration;

(f) re-registration after a person ceases to be registered.

(4) The regulations may require a registered person to give notice to the Commissioners before applying for a remote operating licence.

(5) The regulations may permit the Commissioners to make registration, or continued registration, of a foreign person conditional; and the regulations may, in particular, permit the Commissioners to require—

(a) the provision of security for payment of remote gaming duty;

(b) the appointment of a United Kingdom representative with responsibility for discharging liability to remote gaming duty.

(6) In subsection (5) “foreign person” means a person who—

(a) in the case of an individual, is not usually resident in the United Kingdom,

(b) in the case of a body corporate, does not have an established place of business in the United Kingdom, and

(c) in any other case, does not include an individual who is usually resident in the United Kingdom.

(7) The regulations may include provision for the registration of groups of persons; and may provide for the modification of the provisions of this Part about remote gaming duty in their application to groups.

(8) The regulations—

(a) may make provision which applies generally or only for specified purposes, and

(b) may make different provision for different purposes.

26K Returns U.K.

(1) The Commissioners may make regulations requiring persons who provide facilities for remote gaming in respect of which remote gaming duty may be chargeable to make returns to the Commissioners in respect of their activities.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision about—

(a) liability to make a return;

(b) timing;

(c) form;

(d) content;

(e) method of making;

(f) declarations;

(g) authentication;

(h) when a return is to be treated as made.

(3) The regulations—

(a) may make provision which applies generally or only for specified purposes, and

(b) may make different provision for different purposes.

26L Enforcement U.K.

(1) Contravention of a provision made by or by virtue of sections 26I to 26K—

(a) is conduct to which section 9 of the Finance Act 1994 applies (penalties), and

(b) attracts daily penalties under that section.

(2) A person who is knowingly concerned in, or in taking steps with a view to, the fraudulent evasion of remote gaming duty commits an offence.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) shall be liable on summary conviction to—

(a) a penalty of—

(i) the statutory maximum, or

(ii) if greater, three times the duty which is unpaid or the payment of which is sought to be avoided,

(b) imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or

(c) both.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) shall be liable on conviction on indictment to—

(a) a penalty of any amount,

(b) imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or

(c) both.

26M Review and appeal U.K.

(1) Sections 14 to 16 of the Finance Act 1994 (review and appeal) shall apply in relation to liability to pay remote gaming duty.

(2) Sections 14 to 16 of that Act shall also apply to the decisions listed in subsection (3) below.

(3) Those decisions are—

(a) a decision to refuse a request for an agreement under section 26D(2),

(b) a decision to give a direction under section 26D(3),

(c) a decision not to give a direction under section 26D(3),

(d) a decision to direct that section 26F(6) shall not apply in a specified case,

(e) a decision under regulations by virtue of section 26J(3), and

(f) a decision about security by virtue of section 26J(5)(a).

(4) A decision of a kind specified in subsection (3) shall be treated as an ancillary matter for the purposes of sections 14 to 16 of the Finance Act 1994.]

Valid from 19/07/2007

[F132 General] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F132 Cross-heading preceding s. 26N inserted (with effect as mentioned in s. 8(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2007/2172, art. 2

[F133 26N] Amounts in currencies other than sterling U.K.

(1) Any reference in this Part of this Act to a amount in sterling, in the context of—

(a) the cost of playing a game, or

(b) the amount of the prize for a game,

includes a reference to the equivalent amount in another currency.

(2) The equivalent amount in another currency, in relation to any day, shall be determined by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the previous day.

(3) For the purposes of determining what duty is payable on an amusement machine licence in a case where this section applies, the equivalent in another currency of an amount in sterling shall be taken to be its equivalent on the day on which the application for the licence is received by the Commissioners, or the due date in the case of a default licence.

(4) In subsection (3) above—

• “default licence” means a licence granted under paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 4A to this Act;

• “due date” has the meaning given by paragraph 2(4) of that Schedule.

Textual Amendments

F133 S. 26A inserted (10.7.2003) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), s. 11(2) (with s. 11(3))

Part III U.K. General

27 Offences by bodies corporate. U.K.

—Where an offence under section F134 . . . 24 above, paragraph 13(1) or (3) or 14(1) of Schedule 1, F134 . . . paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 or paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to this Act has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the date of the commission of the offence was a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence unless he proves—

(a) that the offence was committed without his consent or connivance, and

(b) that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and in all the circumstances.

Extent Information

E1 S. 27 as originally enacted did not extend to Northern Ireland; s. 27 extended to Northern Ireland by 1986 c. 41, s. 6, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 10 except in its application to enactments relating to gaming machine licences see s. 35(3) (which subsection was repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2).

Textual Amendments

F134 Words in s. 27 repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 27 extended (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(1), 15, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 12(4).

27 Offences by bodies corporate. E+W+S

—Where an offence under section 15 or 24 above, paragraph 13(1) or (3) or 14(1) of Schedule 1, paragraph 7 of Schedule 2, paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 or paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to this Act has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the date of the commission of the offence was a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence unless he proves—

(a) that the offence was committed without his consent or connivance, and

(b) that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and in all the circumstances.

F135 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+N.I.

Textual Amendments

F135 S. 28 repealed (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. V(2) Note; S.I. 1997/1433, art. 2.

F136 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S

Textual Amendments

F136 S. 29 repealed (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. V(2) Note; S.I. 1997/1433, art. 2.

[F137 29A Evidence by certificate, etc. U.K.

(1) A certificate of the Commissioners—

(a) that any notice required by or under this Act to be given to them had or had not been given at any date, or

(b) that any permit, licence or authority required by or under this Act had or had not been issued at any date, or

(c) that any return required by or under this Act had not been made at any date, or

(d) that any duty shown as due in any return [F138 made in pursuance of this Act or in any assessment made under section 12 of the Finance Act 1994]] had not been paid at any date,

shall be sufficient evidence of that fact until the contrary is proved.

(2) A photograph of any document furnished to the Commissioners for the purposes of this Act and certified by them to be such a photograph shall be admissible in any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, to the same extent as the document itself.

(3) Any document purporting to be a certificate under subsection (1) or (2) above shall be deemed to be such a certificate until the contrary is proved.

Textual Amendments

F137 S. 29A inserted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 7

F138 Words in s. 29A(1)(d) substituted (1.1.1995) by 1994 c. 9, s. 18(5) (with s. 19(3)), S.I. 1994/2679, art. 3.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 29A applied (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(1), 15, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 15.

30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F139 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F139 S. 30 repealed by Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 66), s. 235, Sch. 10 Pt. IV and Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66, SIF 66), s. 78, Sch. 8

31 Protection of officers. U.K.

Where an officer takes any action in pursuance of instructions of the Commissioners or a Collector of Customs and Excise given in connection with the enforcement of the enactments relating to general betting duty, bingo duty or the duty on F140 . . . [F141 amusement machine licences] and, apart from the provisions of this section, the officer would in taking that action be committing an offence under the enactments relating to betting or gaming, he shall not be guilty of that offence.

Extent Information

E2 S. 31 as enacted did not extend to Northern Ireland see s. 35(3) (which subsection was repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2).

Textual Amendments

F140 Words in s. 31 repealed (19.3.1997 with effect on or after 1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F141 Words in s. 31 substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 9(1).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 31 applied (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(1), 15, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 16.

32 Orders and regulations. U.K.

(1) Any power conferred by any provision of this Act to make an order or regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) F142 . . ., any statutory instrument made under any power conferred by this Act shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Commons.

F142 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F142 S. 32(3) and words in s.32(2) repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

Valid from 13/09/2004

[F143 32A Application to limited liability partnerships U.K.

(1) This Act applies to limited liability partnerships as it applies to companies.

(2) In its application to a limited liability partnership, references to a director of a company are references to a member of the limited liability partnership.]

Textual Amendments

F143 S. 32A inserted (N.I.) (13.9.2004) by Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. 2004/307), reg. 9, Sch. 4 para. 8

33 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act—

• “the Commissioners” means the Commissioners of Customs and Excise;

• “gaming” F144 . . . has the same meaning as in section 52 of the M4 Gaming Act 1968;

• “the prescribed sum” in relation to the penalty provided for an offence, means—

(a) if the offence was committed in England or Wales, the prescribed sum within the meaning of section 32 of the M5 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (£1,000 or other sum substituted by order under section 143(1) of that Act); and

(b) if the offence was committed in Scotland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of [F145 subsection (8) of section 225 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (£5,000 or other sum substituted by order under subsection (4) of that section)]. [F146 and

(c) if the offence was committed in Northern Ireland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of Article 4 of the M6 Fines and Penalties (Northern Ireland) Order 1984.]

(2) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the imposition by this Act of general betting duty, pool betting duty, bingo duty or the duty on [F147 amusement machine licences] does not make lawful anything which is unlawful apart from this Act.

Textual Amendments

F144 Words in s. 33(1) repealed (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, ss. 14, 162, Sch. 3 para. 9(2), Sch. 29 Pt. III.

F145 Words in s. 33(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, s. 5, Sch. 4 para. 38.

F146 S. 33(1)(c) and the word “and” preceding it inserted by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 12:2), s. 8, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 7

F147 Words in s. 33(2) substituted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 14, Sch. 3 para. 9(1).

Marginal Citations

M4 1968 c. 65(12:1).

M5 1980 c. 43(82).

M6 S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3).

34 Consequential and transitional provisions and repeals. U.K.

(1) Schedule 5 (consequential amendments) and Schedule 6 (transitional and saving provisions) to this Act shall have effect, but without prejudice to the operation of sections 15 to 17 of the M7 Interpretation Act 1978 (which relate to the effect of repeals).

(2) The enactments specified in Schedule 7 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in the third column of that Schedule

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 The text of s. 34(2) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M7 1978 c. 30(115:1).

35 Short title, construction, commencement and extent. U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981.

(2) This Act shall be construed as one with the M8 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

[F148 (3) The following provisions of this Act do not extend to Northern Ireland—

F149 (a) . . .

(b) sections 29 and 30;

F149 (c) . . .

(d) paragraph 15 of Schedule 4;

F150 . . .]

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F151

Textual Amendments

F148 S. 35(3) substituted by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), s. 6, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 10

F149 S. 35(3)(a)(c) repealed (19.3.1997 with effect on 1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F150 Words after s. 35(3)(d) repealed (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113, Sch. 18 Pt. II Note 2.

F151 S. 35(4) repealed by Finance Act 1986 (c. 41, SIF 12:2), ss. 6, 114(6), Sch. 4 para. 10(2), Sch. 23 Pt. III, notes (a), (b)

Marginal Citations

M8 1979 c. 2(40:1).