Gamers have known since their very first slot adventure that they help the UK economy every time they make deposits and spin those reels. Now leading finance audit and consultancy firm Deloitte has confirmed it in writing, but will the government take notice and reduce taxes on gaming companies?
Chances are, probably not. In his wisdom, the Chancellor has made it pretty clear in his recent budget that the road of austerity is set to continue, so lower taxes will remain a pipe dream for the time being, at least.
The Deloitte report, released last week, reveals that the betting industry – including sports betting alongside gaming – contributes £2.3bn to the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a total economic footprint rising to £5bn in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA).
So what does this mean for you and I, the average gamer armed with his passion and a laptop? Well, for a start it means a slap in the face for anyone who says playing slots is a waste of time. Anyone walking away from a gaming room with a swelling account balance would confirm as such anyway, but now we have an official endorsement from a leading finance consultancy firm that we have double the cause to hold our heads high.
Not only are we not breaking the law and having fun while doing it, but we are also contributing vital growth to a stumbling economy and helping to support 38,000 jobs in the sector.
Vive gaming!
