There is no dearth of gaming options available to online players today. In fact, virtually identical selections of internet gambling software are now being offered by online casinos and bookmakers. However, the roulette played at the premises of bookmakers or in their websites is not considered to be the actual game.
What does that mean?
Roulette can be played in a number of bookmaker establishments, but its rules considerably vary from the traditional version of the game. Instead of placing your money or chips on a specific colour before the spin, you are required to write your numbers on a betting slip and give it to your attendant. After this, the wheel is spun on the screen at the assigned time, complete with the virtual ball falling into a specific number. This method of playing circumvents both gaming and gambling laws, making it different from the real roulette.
Players place bets on the wheel instead of playing the game, and this is the technical definition of gambling. Owing to this deviation, a gaming license for bookmaker roulette is not mandatory and is simply covered in the establishment’s permit.
How it compares to regular roulette
In regular roulette, the game activities are required to be hosted in a licensed casino. The tax implications of this game are widely different from those of bookmaker roulette. Each bet in bookmaker roulette attracts a taxation of 1% while standard roulette operators are required to pay a VAT of 23%, placing casinos at a disadvantage. While the actual terms and conditions of playing roulette may not be very different, the placement of bets and other finer details of the game can be very beneficial to alternate settings like bookmaking.
The situation is similar for gaming arcades and bookmakers for slot machines. Licensed casino operators with slot machines are at a tax disadvantage compared to bookmakers who are now offering roulette as an exciting betting alternative to traditional gaming. While this notion is popular, the Revenue Commissioners Office (RC) is not convinced of the difference. According to a spokesperson, all bookmakers found breaching the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 will be under strict scrutiny by the Department of Justice and Equality. When the RC identifies such cases, the An Garda Siochana will be notified.
