16-08-2007 UK gambling debts on the increase

While the UK tax department announced the introduction of a 15% remote gaming duty on September 1, the Insolvency Helpine said there has been a massive increase in gambling debts, fuelled by the growing popularity of online betting.

Ian Boden-Smyth, spokesman for the UK Insolvency Helpline, said they had to set up a Gambling Support Unit following the huge increase in the number of calls received regarding gambling debts.

In other news, Brian Pomeroy has been appointed as Chairman of the Gambling Commission.