Irish Bookmakers Association

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SiS - Four Price Increases in 2 years

SiS have written to bookmakers to inform them of 3 proposed price increases over the next 18 months. This is after a price increase already imposed in January this year. The IBA have called an Industry meeting, for both UK and Irish Associations, and this will take place over the coming days.

Common sense has obviously disappeared from the entire Industry, and the IBA believe we have now reached a critical point in the tale. Unless all parties are prepared to act sensibly and rationally in this unprecedented recession, jobs, livelihoods and incomes will be ruined.

The IBA will attempt to ensure this wont happen.

Taxation Contribution per shop:
As an illustrative example, an average licensed betting office makes the following contribution to the national exchequer and the local authority in which it is located:

Turnover 3,000,000
Gross Profit (@10%)300,000
Net Profit (@3%) 90,000
Betting Tax (@ 1%) 30,000
PAYE/PRSI 20,000
VAT 20,000
Rates 7,500
Corporation Tax 11,250
Total Taxation 88,750

Taxation as a % of profit 98.6%

Under 18's - Look 21!
The IBA have created several posters for betting shops to display which prevents the admission of persons under the age of 18 onto the premises.

I would urge all members to be extra vigilant, and to operate a 'Look 21' policy. This would require staff to ask all persons that look under the age of 21 for id, to ensure they are over 18.
Please contact me for copies.

SiS Forensic Report

The IBA -UK commissioned a forensic report to be carried out on the accounts of SiS. This report is now published. A copy of which is available in our members area

Legislation Review

Image of Total Shop Closures since September 08

We are relieved that the Government were able to address the grave error made in last years budget and prevent the thousands of job losses that were looming unnecessarily.

However, with a tax policy unique in Europe, and archaic legislation, Irish Betting shops are under serious threat. As can be seen in the table above, there have been many closures already. With Off-shore Online and Mobile companies betting out of the Irish market, virtually tax free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it makes the survival of Independent betting shops almost impossible.

We are now concentrating on the new legislation that is being prepared to regulate the entire gambling industry. We must ensure that the legislation allows us to develop and modernise our shops in line with all other businesses, to create a level playing field and allow us to sustain jobs in our Industry.
Read More...

DSAC - Dunlewey Substance Advice Centre
The DSAC Freephone is up and running now, and members are advised to ensure all promotional material relating to this service is displaying the correct Freephone number: 1800 93 67 25

I will be organising a DSAC training day in the near future. If you are interested in attending, or would like a refresher course for your staff, please contact me.