Tax us don’t ban us, says Lottoland Australia
Operator calls for nationwide point of consumption tax as pressure grows to introduce state bans
Lottoland Australia has called for the introduction of a nationwide POC tax in response to a new wave of criticism of the operator for being a drain on good causes.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan pledged yesterday to ban the firm in his state, as he said has happened elsewhere, specifically in South Australia.
“All that Lottoland and those sorts of organisations do is suck money out of here, send it elsewhere and not give anything back,” McGowan told Perth Now.
“We have indicated publicly before that we’re going to [ban Lottoland], so I’m keen to make sure it happens.”
Lottoland Australia has since responded, telling politicians it is willing to pay its way with taxes and charity contributions wherever it operates.
The firm only pays tax in its licensing state, the Northern Territory (NT) , but said it supports a nationwide point of consumption tax in order to “keep everyone happy”.
Lottoland Aus CEO Luke Brill told EGR: “I have gone on record as saying I fully support a nationwide point of consumption tax in Australia. We have an excellent relationship with the NT and work with them on many positive projects outside of just taxation that has led to a win-win situation for the state, Lottoland, charity and the consumers in the NT.
“I would like to replicate that relationship with the other states and territories.”
Brill also contested McGowan’s claims the firm were banned from Southern Australia, arguing that pre-internet legislation has always prevented them from operating there.
The calls for a ban are the latest controversy to hit Lottoland in Australia, after a group led by Tatts Group and Senator Pauline Hanson claimed the company was misleading consumers and stealing business from local newsagents.