Gambling Levy Exclusion of Charity Lotteries 2023-06-15
2023-06-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Charity lotteries contribute significantly to funding good causes and are concerned about the impact of a proposed gambling levy.
If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of excluding charity lotteries from the proposed gambling levy. Society lotteries make an important contribution to funding good causes across the country.
We are introducing a levy on operators to fund research, education and treatment for gambling-related harm. We recognise the contribution of society lotteries and will take this into account in any final decision. The levy power applies to all Gambling Commission license holders but we understand their importance.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges charity lottery contributions without providing a specific commitment on exempting them from the levy.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is hopeful about the Minister's previous response and urges him to consider exempting society lotteries from the compulsory levy given their importance.
I am kind of hopeful about what the Minister says, but I strongly urge him to consider exempting society lotteries from the compulsory levy given the excellent work that they do right across the country.
In a previous life, I set up a society lottery for the hospice that I used to work at. The levy power applies in the original Gambling Act 2005 to all Gambling Commission license holders, including society lotteries, but we will take into consideration the tremendous work that charities do and their reliance on their own lotteries.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges charity lottery contributions without providing a specific commitment on exempting them from the levy.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The gambling review White Paper committed to introducing a statutory levy paid by all operators, but it appears the national lottery will not have to pay. The MP is concerned about this exemption.
The gambling review White Paper committed to introducing a statutory levy paid by all operators and collected by the Gambling Commission. We support that commitment. However, why does the national lottery get a free pass when it comes to contributions?
The national lottery is set up under separate legislation. However, there is a condition under the fourth licence that donations made by the lottery will go towards research and treatment for people suffering gambling-related harm.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a clear explanation as to why the national lottery is exempt from paying the levy but mentions it contributes through donations under separate legislation.
Response accuracy