Budget proposals should have addressed Machine Games Duty, by Merkur Group
⏱ 2 min read
(London).- Sascha Blodau, General Manager of MERKUR UK, believes that the budget proposals outlined by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt in the House of Commons (15th March) will go some way in addressing general concerns facing the business community but has ignored a key item on the industry’s shopping list – a reduction in Machine Games Duty or MGD.
One of five senior industry leaders to be interviewed by trade paper Coinslot, Sascha Blodau, General Manager of MERKUR UK provided a succinct analysis of the Chancellor’s financial statement highlighting both the positives and what he believes represent missed opportunities.
Describing what he felt constituted a reasonable job in difficult circumstances he highlighted two economic challenges, namely the cost of living crisis and shortages in the labor market.
Sascha said: “Our businesses rely on people having sufficient levels of disposable income and the measures to freeze fuel duty and the extension of the energy price guarantee will help in this respect.”
He added: “In common with all businesses, recruitment remains a major issue and providing access to 30-hours a week of free childcare, even though the plan will be rolled-out from 2024, will enable more parents to return to work.”
As a major investor in the UK, MERKUR welcomed the projected return to economic growth of 1.8 percent but also cast doubt on whether inflation would drop to 2.9 percent from a high of 10.1 percent as predicted by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
The main causes for concern relate to the decision to plough ahead with the increase in Corporation Tax and the failure to address Machine Games Duty (MGD). On this matter, Sascha Blodau stated: “Ours is the only sector of the economy which by law is unable to raise its prices (machine stakes) and share increased costs with our customers”; adding that “a cut in Machine Games Duty would have provided some assistance and we will continue to support the lobbying activities of trade bodies and the Gambling Business Group to help achieve this objective.”
Categoría:Others
Tags: Sin tags
País: United Kingdom
Región: EMEA
Event
AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026
18 de May 2026
AffPapa Conference 2026 Opens in Madrid with Expanded Agenda
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Madrid welcomes the biggest edition of AffPapa Conference yet, bringing together over 1,500 affiliates, operators, and B2B providers for three days of networking, sports, and iGaming insights. The official welcome takes place today, and SoloAzar is on site to deliver the latest updates.
Tuesday 19 May 2026 / 12:00
AffPapa Welcomes Amusnet as a Signature Sponsor for AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026
(Madrid).- AffPapa is excited to welcome Amusnet as a Signature Sponsor at the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026.
Monday 11 May 2026 / 12:00
AffPapa Conference Madrid Set to Be Largest Affiliate-Led Event Yet, Says its CEO Levon Nikoghosyan
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- SoloAzar sat down with Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO and co-founder of AffPapa and iGaming Club, to discuss the upcoming AffPapa Conference Madrid, where more than 1,500 participants are expected. In this interview, he explains why Madrid was chosen over Málaga, what attendees can expect from speed‑dating sessions, expert panels, and off‑site networking, and how the event is shaping up to be the biggest in AffPapa’s history.
Thursday 07 May 2026 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.
