THE EDITOR, Sir:
I DISAGREE with government's move to impose a 15 per cent tax on winnings from gaming. From a gaming standpoint, it seems to me that this move will cause an incremental decline in gaming patrons.
If this happens then there will also be a decline in the amount of tax revenue government currently collects from the gaming companies. There will also be a decrease in the amount of revenue government collects for the country's sports development via the Sports Development Agency (SDA).
It also seems to me that this government is taking a bit of the joy
of playing the games provided by Supreme Ventures and the Jamaica Lottery Company. Such games instill a sense of hope in the psyche of people, albeit for short periods of time. This government has already overburdened the Jamaican people with numerous taxes. Where will it all end? Will this government soon tax persons for walking on the street?
Democratic governments should always seek to reduce tax burdens on citizens, not increase them. Jamaica is becoming an increasingly difficult place in which to live. Gaming is a leisure activity from the standpoint of the pundit and to impose a tax on his/her winnings provides a great disincentive.
Conversely, due to government's tax exemption policy where horse racing is concerned, there is bound to be an incremental increase in horse racing pundits. What next?
I am etc,
PATRICK A. GALLIMORE
pagalley@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica'
