Tax could hit bookie’s job plans

BOOKMAKER Paddy Power has said that its plans to increase staff numbers here could be scuppered by the Government’s plan to impose a tax on income from gaming companies’ online betting divisions.

Last week, the Taoiseach indicated that an online tax could be introduced – a move which would replace the previously mooted levy on over-the-counter retail income.

The online tax – which would hit Paddy Power’s annual operating profits by about €5 million – has been tentatively accepted by the company, however management has expressed concern that it may not be executed on a level playing field.