Keith Tomlin who has operated Derbyshire independent bookmakers Keith Tomlin Racing for over 50 years, fears that new UK taxes on bookmakers may force him to shut down his business.Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Tomlin stressed that April’s scheduled 25% duty increase on gambling machines may terminate all UK independent bookmakers.
Tomlin who operates three betting shops in Stenson, Chellaston and Chesterfield further acknowledged the importance of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (known as FOBT’s) to a bookmaker’s trade.
“I’m the only bookie in Derby and there are only around 1,000 in the country. Betting offices have really changed in the last 20 years and we really need to rely on the money we get from these machines.
“If this change to the duty comes in then 70% of bookies would shut – and that includes shops from the big companies. I don’t think I could carry on as a business.
Tomlin urges government policy makers to rethink their stance on betting duty and the retail betting industry, which employs thousands of UK workers.
“As an industry we employ thousands of people and pay all of that tax but still have the looming problems. The new change in legislation would take 25% of the money we make on the machines and it’s them keeping us going.
Despite its upcoming challenges Tomlin, stated that he would fight to keep his three independent bookmakers alive. “When you’re doing something you love you want to carry on. The beauty of working hard when you’re my age is it can keep you active.”