HMRC has decided not to appeal a ruling in the cases of Betfred and Rank Group which found the gaming industry had been overpaying VAT on certain gaming machines and fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

The UK Government introduced a £2 stake limit on FOBTs in April 2019, reducing the previous limit of £100 per go.

GVC believes it is eligible for a rebate of incorrectly paid VAT on gaming machine revenue from Ladbrokes betting shops, between 1 October 2002 to 31 January 2013, which will result in a cash inflow boost.

The case regarding the Rank Group dispute was based on the VAT liability of betting using certain gaming machines prior to 5 December 2005.

Betfred owners the Done Brothers’ case related specifically to the tax treatment of FOBTs, prior to 31 January 2013.

Yesterday, William Hill stated it could receive a net cash recovery of £150m in overpaid tax on FOBTs during the same period of 2005 to 2013.