Ireland is to see an increase betting tax as plans were yet again muted by a minister. Agriculture minister Simon Coveney became the devil incarnate earlier this year when he revealed proposals to double the rate of tax for companies.
Speaking at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Coveney said, “I would like to ensure that it is actually self-funded by a taxation on betting, and I’m not satisfied that the decisions of Governments over the last 15 years have been the correct ones.”
The plans would see the current tax rate of 1% rise to 2%. It’s all part of an elaborate plan that would see the horse and greyhound racing industry funded entirely by tax. Coveney added, “It is crazy that the exchequer continues to pay into the Horse and Greyhound fund, when the industry could be self-financing.”
Irish-based online firms are likely to reiterate their disdain for their plans much like when they were first unveiled earlier on this year.
One company that may be angered by the plans, Dublinbet.com, has agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with Bohemian FC. The online casino jumped aboard the second sports football sponsorship bandwagon and will remain there for the remainder of 2011 (nb. The first bandwagon was buckling under the pressure).
Paul Derwin, marketing manager at Dublinbet.com, said: “When we heard that the club were looking for a new shirt sponsor for the remainder of the season we jumped at the chance to support the Bohs and put something back into the Dublin community.
“We’re as passionate about live online gaming as the Bohs fans are about their team so it makes for a perfect partnership.
“We hope our involvement will coincide with a successful finish to the season. It would be great to see the Bohs lift a trophy and to be associated with their success.”
