OVERSEAS-BASED bookmakers taking online bets from Irish customers might not comply with the Government’s proposed tax on internet betting, one industry figure suggested yesterday.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney is hoping to introduce legislation shortly that will impose a 1 per cent turnover tax on online bets taken from Irish customers. The levy already applies to bets placed in bookmaker shops, where one cent is deducted from each €1 staked, but not on those placed over the internet.

Joe Lewins, managing director of Ladbrokes Ireland, said yesterday that a 7.5 per cent tax on gross profits – winnings, rather than turnover – would work better.

He said overseas firms with an online presence in the Irish market may not comply with a 1 per cent turnover tax, but would be likely to pay a gross profits tax.