Budget proposals should have addressed Machine Games Duty, by Merkur Group
2 minutos de lectura
(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
Peru Gaming Show 2025
18 de June 2025
From PGS 2025, Win Systems Redoubles its Commitment to Peru: Innovation, Proximity, and Regional Expansion
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- In a revealing interview, Galy Olazo, Country Manager of Win Systems in Peru, analyzes the company's strategic role in one of the most thriving markets in the region. Its participation in the PGS 2025 trade show not only left its mark with its technological advances, such as the new Gold Club Colors electronic roulette wheels and the WIGOS management system, but also reaffirmed its commitment to the transformation of the sector and its consolidation in Latin America.
Tuesday 15 Jul 2025 / 12:00
Key debate during PGS 2025: Enforcement: Process to ensure compliance (laws, norms, rules)
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- During the 2025 edition of the Peru Gaming Show, the conference ‘Enforcement: Process to ensure compliance (laws, norms, rules)’ took place, with an international panel of professionals who debated about the current challenges to combat illegal gaming and guarantee the application of the laws in the sector, both in Peru and in the Latam region.
Monday 14 Jul 2025 / 12:00
“Localization is a critical factor for success in Latin America:” Roman Bogoduhov, Endorphina
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- In this Q&A, Roman Bogoduhov, Endorphina Senior Business Expansion Manager – LATAM, shares his experience at recent PGS 2025, highlighting an improvement in the number of participants, greater activity and new platforms and operators. Read more about Endorhina new releases, the Peruvian regulation and new market insights in this article.
Friday 11 Jul 2025 / 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.