News

New polling suggests that over half of Britons (52%) support increasing taxes on online gambling, with many prioritising a hike in gambling duties over other taxes such as income tax, VAT, and fuel duties.

This comes as the Social Market Foundation (SMF) releases a report advocating for a significant increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 42%, which could generate up to £900 million for the Treasury.

Online gambling, particularly casino gaming, has been linked to higher rates of harm, with fiscal costs estimated at over £1 billion. The SMF report, authored by Dr James Noyes and Dr Aveek Bhattacharya, argues that the sector is currently undertaxed and highlights that UK operators are paying higher taxes in other countries.

With the UK facing a £22 billion fiscal shortfall, the report urges the government to capitalise on this opportunity, restructuring the outdated tax system and addressing the social costs associated with gambling.

Read more:
Majority of Britons back increased tax on online gambling as calls for reform grow ahead of Autumn Budget

Following the general election, the new Government committed to publishing its proposals for employment law reform within 100 days. With a few days to spare, the highly anticipated Employment Rights Bill was published on 10 October 2024.

It is described as the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, and here is an overview of the key proposals.

Unfair dismissal

The proposal to confer day-one unfair dismissal rights has been controversial. Currently, two years of service is required.

There will be a new statutory probation period. This will give employers time to assess someone’s suitability properly. During that period, employers will be able to adopt a “lighter-touch and less onerous approach” when dismissing someone who is not right for the job.

The Government prefers a nine-month statutory probation period and will consult on this during 2025. However, the reform of unfair dismissal will not be before autumn 2026.

In certain circumstances, there is already extensive protection from unfair dismissal from day one, such as dismissals relating to whistleblowing or for health and safety reasons.

Zero-hours workers

It is reported that 84% of zero-hours workers would rather have guaranteed hours. If someone works regular hours over a defined period, they will have a right to a guaranteed-hours contract, but workers can remain on zero-hours contracts if they prefer. They will also have the right to reasonable notice of a shift and the right to payment for cancelling a shift or changing it at short notice.

Fire and re-hire

The Government has said that “ending unscrupulous employment practices is a priority”. This includes ending firing and rehiring on new terms and conditions, often less favourable. It will be automatically unfair to dismiss someone who refuses to agree to a variation of their contract except in certain circumstances. For instance, if the variation ensures the business can continue as a going concern where there is “genuinely no alternative”. This could be difficult to evidence in many cases.

Supporting working families

Flexible working will be the default for all workers unless the employer can show it was reasonable to reject a request on specified business grounds. Currently, there is a right to parental bereavement leave, and there will be a new general right to bereavement leave. There will also be improved protection for pregnant women and new mothers returning to work. Finally, parental leave and paternity leave will become a day-one right. Currently, one year’s service and 26 weeks’ service, respectively, are needed.

Statutory sick pay

The lower earnings limit and current waiting period of three days before SSP is paid will be removed so that SSP is available from the first day of sickness absence.

Protection from harassment

We have written about the new duty that comes into force on 26 October 2024, which requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers.

The Bill extends this so that employers will be obliged to take all reasonable steps. Future legislation may also specify what constitutes reasonable steps, such as publishing plans or policies.

Protection from third-party harassment, which was removed from the Equality Act 2010 in 2013, will be reinstated.

Finally, sexual harassment disclosures will count as “qualifying disclosures” for whistleblowing purposes.

Collective redundancy

The obligation to collectively consult arises when 20 or more employees are dismissed “at one establishment.” The Bill makes it clear that the obligation will apply when the threshold is reached across the whole organisation, not at a particular establishment.

Equality at work

Large employers (over 250 employees) will be required to produce action plans on how to address their gender pay gaps and how they will support employees going through the menopause.

Industrial relations

The Bill contains numerous provisions, including an obligation on employers to provide workers with a written statement about their right to join a trade union. The Government will also repeal the previous Government’s trade union legislation, including the controversial (and never used) provisions relating to minimum service levels.

Enforcement

Currently, multiple enforcement bodies report to different Government departments, but a new Fair Work Agency will combine these.

What happens next?

The Bill did not refer to topics such as the right to “switch off” or ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting. These were mentioned in a separate document published on the same day that outlines the government’s longer-term plans.

The Bill’s second reading takes place on 21 October 2024. Various consultation exercises will take place throughout 2025, and we can expect a great deal of scrutiny of the Bill in the months ahead.

Read more:
A guide to the new Employment Rights Bill: What businesses need to know

New data reveals that the UK is increasingly reliant on a small number of top-rate taxpayers to generate a significant portion of its income tax revenue.

According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the 1.13 million individuals paying the 45p rate are expected to contribute £124 billion this year, which represents more than 40% of all income tax collected by the Treasury.

This figure surpasses the total revenue generated by corporation tax, fuel duties, council tax, and business rates combined. By comparison, the 29.5 million basic-rate taxpayers will contribute £82.8 billion, or 28% of income tax revenues, while 6.3 million higher-rate taxpayers will pay £93.7 billion, or 31%.

Labour’s Rachel Reeves is facing pressure to reassess her planned tax increases on non-doms and higher earners after Treasury officials warned that targeting a small group of top earners could yield less revenue than anticipated. Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), cautioned that heavily taxing a small group of individuals could prompt changes in their behaviour, making it a “riskier strategy.”

With income tax generating £300 billion for the government this year, Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised that those with the “broadest shoulders” must bear the heaviest burden as Labour prepares for a “painful” budget on October 30.

Read more:
Britain relies on just 1M top earners for £124bn in income tax

The Alan Shearer Foundation has received a substantial boost, with £23,500 raised by workplace technology specialist Agilico during the Great North Run.

The funds will support the Foundation’s work in providing vital facilities and therapies for people with diverse abilities and acute sensory impairments.

Agilico, which took all 35 charity places for the run, saw participants from across its UK sites lace up their trainers for the world’s largest half marathon. The funds will help maintain free access to the Alan Shearer Centre’s hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, therapy sessions, and more.

Former England captain and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are delighted with the amount raised by the Agilico team. Their support is greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to the lives of the people who use our facilities.”

Agilico’s North Director, Warren Colby, echoed the importance of the cause, while Jennifer Bartley from The Great Run Company highlighted the event’s celebration of community spirit, which has become synonymous with charitable giving.

Read more:
Alan Shearer Foundation receives £23,500 boost from Agilico’s Great North Run efforts

As budget day looms there are plenty of things to consider for the hospitality and leisure sector, from the mooted changes to capital gains tax, to the much desired business rates reform.

Here, Isabelle Shepherd, Director, haysmacintyre looks at the impact announcements could have.

Capital gains tax

The possibility of increases in capital gains tax has been making the headlines for weeks now. Changes ranging from a small increase to being brought in line with the income tax rate of 45% have been mooted. The impact this could have on the hospitality sector should not be underestimated. The new and exciting brands that we see coming to market, that could be the ‘next big thing’, are typically a result of the entrepreneurs who take a punt on an idea. They often risk savings and take very little salary in the early days of their business. Then if, and that’s a big if, the idea becomes a success and they sell, they benefit from paying lower rates of capital gains tax than they would have on income tax.

While the need to raise taxes is understandable, there is a risk that increasing the rate of capital gains tax reduces the incentive for newer and independent operators to start new businesses. This in turn reduces the diversity of the sector, and the variety of sites on offer for customers as well as the impact on the high street.

Business rates reform

The sector has been absorbing more than its fair share of business rates for years now. There is rates relief in place for hospitality at the moment, which is capped at £110,000, but this is due to expire on 31 March 2025. The current system favours those not on the high street, such as online retailers that use warehouse space outside of city centres, and is almost certainly a factor in the decline of high streets. For the past couple of years hospitality has been reliant on annual support packages to remove an element of the unfair system, that while beneficial, provide little certainty as to the future and cash-flow planning.

When the current package expires on 1 April 2025, the proportionate impact will be the most severe for smaller, independent businesses and could be as extreme as quadrupling their rates from £11,000 to £44,000 per year. It is these businesses that are typically struggling to make a profit at the moment, as trade is impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, and costs continue to rise, most notably the April 2024 National Minimum Wage increase, with another rise looking likely in April 2025.

It is key the government prioritise business rates reform as they set out in their manifesto, to avoid further closures of small and independent hospitality businesses that are often at the heart of neighbourhoods.

VAT

The sector has long been campaigning for reduced rates of VAT to allow operators to better compete against shops and supermarkets and align the sector with European rivals. Despite the efforts of UK Hospitality in pushing this, and many industry leaders being very vocal on the topic, the government has stayed quiet, leaving many to assume that reform in this area is not on the agenda for 30 October. The only thing confirmed so far is that VAT will not be increasing. I am sure there are many still holding out hope here, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Employer’s national insurance

It has been confirmed that employee national insurance will not be rising, leading to speculation that employer’s national insurance could be a target to raise revenue through the budget. There are a couple of options on how this could be actioned, from simply increasing the rate, to including pension contributions within the scope of employer’s national insurance.

If this is announced it is going to further squeeze the cashflow and reserves of businesses struggling to make ends meet in the wake of a cost-of-living crisis. Including pensions within the scope of national insurance would impact the benefit of salary sacrifice schemes, which have been a popular employee incentive in recent years. When these schemes are set up, the employer often passes all or some of the national insurance savings they make to the employee. Naturally, if the savings were stopped and national insurance was to be charged, this benefit would be cut back.

Employment rights

While not something in the budget, the Employment Rights Bill published on 10 October 2024 should not be ignored. The hospitality sector makes use of zero-hour contracts and many people on them enjoy the flexibility they offer, allowing their personal lifestyle choices to be matched with business demand. I am sure no one disagrees with the ban on those that are ‘exploitative’, but how the rules around zero hour contracts are implemented is going to be very important for the hospitality sector which needs an element of flexibility due to seasonality and shift patterns. Mandating hours and requiring too much notice over shift changes could be detrimental to the sector, as it would result in further payroll costs increases which sadly could see many operators forced to close their doors.

There is lots to think about, not just for hospitality operators but for all businesses – though given the challenges that have buffeted hospitality in recent years the concerns may be particularly acute for business operators in this sector. Hopefully whatever is announced supports the sector, which contributes a huge amount to the economy and brings joy to the population. If nothing else, it will at least give some certainty over what is to come.

Read more:
How hospitality businesses can navigate a business rates bombshell and prepare for the budget

Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is being urged to reform inheritance and capital gains taxes to help address the UK’s growing fiscal deficit, with proposals from think tank Demos outlining potential changes that could raise up to £2.6 billion annually.

Research by Demos suggests a new banded inheritance tax system, which could bring in £16 billion over the next parliament, closing loopholes and ensuring a fairer distribution of the tax burden. The proposed changes include introducing a 30% inheritance tax rate for estates below £1 million, rising to 45% for those worth over £2 million, alongside imposing capital gains tax on inherited assets.

With Labour needing to find £16 billion in additional revenue to avoid austerity measures, Reeves is under pressure to explore such reforms, especially after ruling out increases to VAT, income tax, or national insurance. The reforms are also seen as a way to ease the tax burden on working families while addressing the growing value of estates.

Read more:
Calls grow for Rachel Reeves to reform inheritance tax system to raise billions

Shoppers at Selfridges on Oxford Street may have been drawn to the vibrant Telfar pop-up last Monday, but behind the scenes, a significant deal was being finalised.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the acquisition of a 40% stake in Selfridges Group, providing a fresh injection of hope for the iconic retailer’s future.

This deal follows concerns over the ownership of Selfridges after Austrian property group Signa, which held the stake, filed for bankruptcy last November. The remaining 60% of the group remains with Thailand’s Central Group, which, alongside Signa, had purchased Selfridges from the Weston family in 2021 for £4 billion.

The new Saudi partnership aims to accelerate the growth of the department store while staying true to Selfridges’ legacy. Central and PIF stated that their collaboration would “unlock further value” for the retailer, known for its creative displays, luxury offerings, and historic Oxford Street flagship.

Founded in 1909 by Harry Gordon Selfridge, the department store has faced challenges recently, including a £1.7 billion debt and the departure of its CEO, Andrew Keith, this year. However, industry analysts believe the PIF investment will bring financial stability. Retail experts, including Richard Hyman, caution that the store must focus on strong leadership and “proper retailing” rather than distractions like plans for a luxury hotel or overseas expansion.

PIF, which controls assets worth £550 billion, including stakes in Aston Martin, Uber, and Heathrow, is expected to provide a stable financial foundation for Selfridges. However, critics have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the potential use of high-profile investments to improve its global image.

Read more:
Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund acquires 40% stake in Selfridges, sparking hopes for revival

Mulberry’s largest shareholder has dismissed a revised takeover bid from Frasers Group, labelling the move a distraction at a critical time for the struggling luxury handbag brand.

Challice, which holds a 56.1% stake in Mulberry and is controlled by Singaporean billionaires Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong, has made it clear that it has no intention of selling to Frasers. The group, led by Mike Ashley, raised its offer to 150p per share after its initial bid of 130p was rejected. Frasers already owns 36.8% of Mulberry.

Challice’s firm stance signals that without its backing, Frasers will struggle to gain control of more than 50% of the company. The Ongs hope their refusal will dissuade Frasers from further pursuit, calling the bid “inopportune” and a disruption to the company’s management as they work through a turnaround plan.

The Bath-based brand, famous for its Bayswater handbags, recently posted a £34 million pre-tax loss and has seen a drop in sales, reflecting challenges in the global luxury market. However, Mulberry is confident in its recovery, pointing to the appointment of new CEO Andrea Baldo and a £10.75 million share placing to stabilise the business.

Frasers, however, insists it can steer the brand back to profitability, aiming to avoid what it calls “another Debenhams situation.” Frasers faces a deadline of 5pm on October 28 to either make a formal offer or walk away.

Read more:
Mulberry rejects revised Frasers takeover bid as “unwanted distraction”

CSGORoll is a popular platform among gamers, particularly for those interested in skin gambling, case openings, and engaging mini-games.

With a user-friendly interface and exciting features, CSGORoll has attracted a vast community of players. To further enrich the user experience, CSGORoll frequently provides promo codes that allow players to unlock exclusive rewards, bonuses, and free credits. In this article, we will explore how to use promo codes for CSGORoll, the types of rewards available, tips for maximizing your gaming experience, and some frequently asked questions.

What Are Promo Codes?

Promo codes are special alphanumeric codes that can be redeemed on gaming platforms to obtain various benefits. In the context of CSGORoll, these codes can grant players free coins, bonus credits, discounts on deposits, or exclusive items. Utilizing these codes can significantly enhance your gameplay, providing more opportunities to win and explore the platform’s offerings.

Why Use Promo Codes?

Promo codes are an effective way to boost your balance without having to spend additional money. For new players, they serve as an excellent introduction to the platform, allowing you to try out various games and features without a significant investment. For seasoned players, promo codes can increase your chances of winning by providing additional resources.

How to Use Promo Codes on CSGORoll

Using promo codes for CSGORoll is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Create or Log in to Your Account: If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to sign up on the CSGORoll website. Registration is typically quick and requires basic information. If you already have an account, simply log in.
Locate the Promo Code Section: After logging in, navigate to the “Promo Code” section. This is typically found in the account settings or during the deposit process. It may be labeled as “Redeem Code” or something similar.
Enter the Code: Type in the promo code you have. Be sure to double-check for any typos, as promo codes are usually case-sensitive. Incorrect entries may result in the code being invalid.
Claim Your Rewards: After entering the code, click the “Submit” button. If the code is valid, your rewards will be credited to your account almost instantly. You can check your balance to confirm the addition.

Types of Rewards Available

CSGORoll offers a variety of rewards through promo codes, including:

Free Coins: Many promo codes provide users with a set number of free coins. These coins can be used to gamble or play games on the platform, giving you a chance to win even more without risking your own money.
Deposit Bonuses: Some promo codes offer bonuses that match a percentage of your deposit, allowing you to get more value for your money. For instance, a 100% deposit bonus means that if you deposit $50, you’ll receive an additional $50 in your account.
Exclusive Skins: Occasionally, CSGORoll releases codes that grant unique in-game skins. These skins not only enhance your gameplay experience but can also add value to your inventory. Players often seek rare skins, and promo codes can help you acquire them.
Discounts on Services: Promo codes can also provide discounts on various platform services, such as case openings or participation in events. These discounts can lead to significant savings, especially for regular players.
Participation in Events: Some promo codes may grant access to exclusive events or tournaments hosted by CSGORoll. These events often come with unique prizes and the chance to compete against other players.

Tips for Finding and Using Promo Codes

Stay Updated: Regularly check CSGORoll’s official website and social media channels for announcements about new promo codes. Following their channels can help you stay informed about the latest offers.
Join the Community: Engage with the CSGORoll community on forums or social media groups. Other players often share promo codes, tips for maximizing rewards, and strategies for gameplay. Being part of the community can enhance your overall experience.
Check Expiration Dates: Most promo codes have expiration dates. Ensure you use them before they expire to avoid missing out on potential rewards. It’s a good practice to keep a list of the codes you want to use along with their expiration dates.
Combine with Other Promotions: Look for opportunities to combine promo codes with other promotions or bonuses offered by CSGORoll. This could lead to even greater benefits, such as additional coins or exclusive items.
Participate in Referral Programs: CSGORoll often has referral programs where you can earn rewards by inviting friends to join the platform. Combining referral bonuses with promo codes can maximize your benefits.

Conclusion

Promo codes for CSGORoll can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing valuable rewards and bonuses. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily redeem codes and unlock exclusive offers. Stay engaged with the CSGORoll community, keep an eye out for new codes, and maximize your rewards to enjoy everything the platform has to offer. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, using promo codes is an excellent way to boost your gaming experience and increase your chances of winning. Happy gaming!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Often Are New Promo Codes Released?

New promo codes can be released at various times throughout the year, often during special promotions, holidays, or events. To stay informed, regularly check the CSGORoll website and their social media pages.

Can I Use Multiple Promo Codes?

Typically, CSGORoll allows users to redeem one promo code at a time. However, you can try using different codes on separate occasions to maximize your rewards.

What Should I Do If a Promo Code Doesn’t Work?

If a promo code doesn’t work, double-check for any typing errors, including case sensitivity. Additionally, ensure that the code is still valid and has not expired. If problems persist, consider reaching out to CSGORoll’s customer support for assistance.

Are Promo Codes Available for Mobile Users?

Yes, promo codes can be used by both desktop and mobile users of CSGORoll. Simply follow the same process to redeem codes on your preferred device.

Is There a Limit on the Amount of Rewards I Can Redeem?

While there may be limits on specific types of rewards, such as daily bonuses or promotional offers, CSGORoll usually allows players to redeem promo codes without significant restrictions. Always check the terms associated with each code for details.

Read more:
Promo Codes for CSGORoll: Unlocking Exclusive Rewards and Enhancing Your Gaming Experience

Nowadays operators and entrepreneurs face a crucial decision when launching their platforms: choosing between white-label and custom solutions.

This article will explore the key differences, advantages, and considerations for each option, helping you make an informed decision for your iGaming business.

Understanding White-Label Solutions

White-label solutions are pre-built, ready-to-use platforms that iGaming software providers offer to operators. These solutions come with a complete package of essential features and services, allowing for quick market entry.

Key Features of White-Label Solutions:

Pre-integrated games from multiple providers
Payment processing systems
Customer support infrastructure
Basic branding options
Licensing and compliance management

Advantages of White-Label Solutions:

Rapid Deployment: White-label platforms can be launched within weeks, allowing operators to enter the market quickly.
Cost-Effective: Initial investment is lower compared to custom solutions, making it ideal for startups or those with limited budgets.
Reduced Complexity: Providers handle technical aspects, licensing, and compliance, simplifying operations for the operator.
Proven Technology: White-label solutions are typically well-tested and reliable, minimizing technical issues.

Limitations of White-Label Solutions:

Limited Customization: Operators have restricted ability to modify the platform’s core functionality.
Less Differentiation: Many competitors may use similar platforms, making it challenging to stand out in the market.
Revenue Sharing: Providers often take a percentage of revenue, which can impact long-term profitability.

Exploring Custom Solutions

Custom solutions involve developing a unique iGaming platform tailored to an operator’s specific requirements and vision. This approach offers maximum flexibility and control over the final product.

Key Features of Custom Solutions:

Bespoke user interface and experience
Unique game selection and integration
Customized payment and loyalty systems
Tailored back-office and reporting tools
Full control over platform architecture

Advantages of Custom Solutions:

Unique Brand Identity: Custom platforms allow operators to create a distinct look and feel, setting them apart from competitors.
Full Control: Operators have complete ownership of the platform and can make changes or add features as needed.
Scalability: Custom solutions can be designed to accommodate future growth and market expansion.
Competitive Edge: Unique features and functionalities can provide a significant advantage in attracting and retaining players.

Challenges of Custom Solutions:

Higher Initial Investment: Development of a custom platform requires substantial upfront costs.
Longer Time to Market: Custom development can take several months to over a year, delaying market entry.
Ongoing Maintenance: Operators are responsible for platform updates, security, and technical issues.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When deciding between white-label and custom solutions, operators should consider the following factors:

Budget: Assess your available capital for initial investment and ongoing costs.
Time to Market: Determine how quickly you need to launch your platform.
Technical Expertise: Evaluate your team’s ability to manage a custom platform.
Market Differentiation: Consider how important unique features are for your target audience.
Scalability: Think about your long-term growth plans and how the platform can accommodate them.
Regulatory Requirements: Ensure the chosen solution can meet the compliance needs of your target markets.

The Hybrid Approach

Some iGaming software providers, like Cybetic, offer a middle ground between white-label and fully custom solutions. These hybrid approaches allow operators to start with a white-label base and gradually customize and expand their platform over time. This can provide a balance between quick market entry and long-term differentiation.

Cybetic, an innovative iGaming software provider, specializes in helping operators navigate these choices and find the right solution for their unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a rapid launch with a white-label platform or aiming to create a fully customized iGaming experience, Cybetic’s team of experts can guide you through the process and deliver a tailored solution that meets your business objectives.

Conclusion

Choosing between white-label and custom solutions is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your iGaming business. White-label solutions offer quick market entry and lower initial costs but come with limitations in customization and differentiation. Custom solutions provide unique branding and full control but require higher investment and longer development times.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific business goals, resources, and market strategy. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this article and partnering with experienced iGaming software providers like Cybetic, you can make an informed decision that sets your platform up for success in the competitive online gambling industry.

Read more:
Comparing White-Label Casino vs. Custom Solutions from iGaming Software Providers