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
PERU GAMING SHOW – PGS 2026
17 de June 2026
Enhancing Responsible Gaming Through Effective Training at PGS 2026
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive) – Training, prevention, and technology took center stage at the "Value of Responsible Gaming in Gambling Operations" conference during the 2026 Perú Gaming Show (PGS). Presented by Fernando Calderón Castro, President of the National Gaming Society (SONAJA), the session brought industry leaders together to tackle current challenges and explore strategies for safer, more transparent, and sustainable operations.
Wednesday 22 Jul 2026 / 12:00
LSports at the Peru Gaming Show: Building Presence, Opening Doors
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The Peru Gaming Show was never just about the booth. For LSports, it was about showing up in a market where showing up still matters — and leaving with more than a contact list. Federico Brancato, Sales Manager for the LATAM Region, came to Lima with a clear sense of what operators in this part of Latin America need most right now. What he found confirmed it.
Friday 17 Jul 2026 / 12:00
Martin Ivanov: "Latin America remains one of CT Interactive's key strategic regions"
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- CT Interactive Chief Operating Officer Martin Ivanov reflects on the company's experience at the Peru Gaming Show, highlights the opportunities emerging in the Peruvian market, and outlines the company's strategic priorities for expanding across Latin America.
Thursday 16 Jul 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.
