UK High Court dismisses Gibraltar challenge to new online gambling law

LONDON -- A High Court in the UK has dismissed a legal challenge from bookmakers to bring the licensing and taxation of online gambling companies under UK control if they offer their services to consumers in Britain, Reuters reports. Gambling companies with large UK customer bases such as Ladbrokes and William Hill have placed their operations offshore to benefit from lower taxes. A new tax regime is due to come into force on 1 December to force such companies to obtain a licence from the UK Gambling Commission and to pay a 15 percent tax online winnings from bets made by UK consumers. The case was brought by the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA), arguing that it contravened European legislation on free movement of services. The GBGA declined to say if it would appeal. (Source: Telecompaper)