Machine Games Duty registration deadline looms

TIME is running out for bookmakers, casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls, pubs, clubs and other venues operating gaming machines to register for Machine Games Duty (MGD). MGD comes into effect in just a few weeks time, on 1 February 2013. Under the new tax regime, anyone responsible for premises from which gaming machines are provided for play must register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by Friday, 11 January 2013. The new tax will be payable where customers pay to play a game on a machine in the hope of winning a cash prize which is greater than the cost to play. It will replace both Amusement Machine Licence Duty (AMLD); an annual charge for making a gaming machine available for play and standard-rate VAT on net takings. Affected businesses who continue to operate from 1 February onwards without having completed the registration process could face a penalty of up to 100% of the tax due. Penalties may be issued even where there is no tax due. While HMRC will make every effort to process late registrations, it is warning operators that it cannot guarantee that applications received after 11 January will be processed by 1 February. So, registering by 11 January is the only way for a business to guarantee that it won't be hit with a penalty.

HMRC is also advising operators that the simplest, quickest and most secure way to register is via its MGD Online Registration Service. This has the big advantage of giving an immediate on-screen acknowledgement that HMRC has received the application. Registering is simple go online via this link  and follow the instructions.  Businesses can also register for MGD using a paper application form, which can be downloaded from the HMRC website along with more information about Machine Games Duty.

Did you know that:-

1. The deadline for online registration for the new Machine Games Duty (MGD) regime was extended from 1 January until 11 January 2013, after representations from the industry.

2. There are around 260,000 gaming machines in the UK, with approximately 190,000 currently subject to AMLD. HMRC estimates that approximately 42,000 businesses with dutiable machine games will be impacted by MGD.

3. There will be 2 rates of duty for MGD:- The lower rate at 5%; for machines where the maximum cost per game on that machine is 10 pence, and the cash prize is £8 or less; and the standard rate at 20%; for all other machine games subject to MGD, including those offering several games subject to the duty, where one or more of the games would attract the standard rate.
 

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CHRISTMAS CHEER AT HAYDOCK PARK AHEAD OF THE LAST FLING OF 2012

HAYDOCK Park stages 2 more popular jump racing fixtures before the bells ring in the New Year. The racecourse hosts Blue Square Bet Tommy Whittle Chase day on the Saturday before Christmas and the popular Last Fling day on Sunday 30 December which always attracts many families over the festive period. The focus on 22 December 2012, is very much on the quality of the sport, with the principal race being the £32,500 Blue Square Bet Tommy Whittle Chase run over 3 miles. The meeting on 30 December includes The Last Fling Steeple Chase. The race is sponsored by Classic Lodges Limited, run over three and a half miles and commemorates one of the most popular horses to race at Haydock Park. Northern trainer Sue Smith; who trained The Last Fling; has a good record in the race, having saddled 2 of its winners. Racing starts on Saturday, 22 December 2012, at 12.10pm and on Sunday, 30 December 2012, at 12.20pm. Admission:- Premier £45; County Stand £30; Tattersalls £20; Newton £13. All accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge. More information about racing at Haydock Park can be found online, where tickets can also be purchased.