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Article hits out at offshore gambling

A UK newspaper’s accusing online bookies of avoiding tax by using offshore jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man.

The Independent says the UK taxman is missing out on £250 million because high-street bookmakers and casinos are using the offshores for their 'remote gambling' operations.

The report names companies such as Betfair, PaddyPower, 888, William Hill and Ladbrokes.

The Independent claims the UK has lost out on £1 billion since 2009.

A loophole in UK betting duty means firms are taxed where they collect a bet, rather than where the bet was placed.

The UK government says it will close the loophole, but not until 2015.

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