A recent Deloitte report found that the British gaming industry is valued at £6bn ($9.6bn, €6.9bn) and employs some 100,000 people.

The figures amount to about 0.5% of UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) and about 0.3% of total UK employment. The information, available in a study entitled The Full Picture, was endorsed by Ladbrokes to demonstrate the gaming industry’s value to the UK economy.

The study also discovered that the retail gaming industry alone produces £700m in taxes each year, £700m in wages paid to employees and £800m in profit before interest and tax. Ladbrokes plans to use these statistics to lobby the government for more lenient tax laws on bookmakers stationed in the UK.

Ladbrokes chief executive Christopher Bell said: “This report comes at a crucial time for the industry and will help inform the Government and stakeholders about the important contribution the industry makes to employment and taxation in these difficult economic times. We hope it will contribute towards more informed policy making and help remove much of the uncertainty that has surrounded the taxation and regulation of our industry in recent years.” 

Simon Oaten, a Deloitte consultant said: “The betting industry makes a significant contribution to the British economy – but is subject to intense international competition. With internet and mobile betting growing the challenge for Government is to balance effective regulation with creating the conditions for the domestic industry to compete.”

Deloitte assembled the report using government and company accredited sources.

Miss B says: The new findings have caused many to wonder if the United States should take notice and legalize Internet gambling in the states. Several studies have concluded that the US government could rack in billions if they were to legalize Internet gambling. As the US government tackles issues like massive job loss and a continuing recession, politician must consider legalizing Internet gambling. It could really turn things around. Comments anyone?