Market leading insight for tax experts
View online issue

HMRC v The Rank Group

Gaming machines and the ‘element of chance’

In HMRC v The Rank Group [2015] UKSC 48 (8 July 2015) the Supreme Court found that the takings from gaming machines connected to an external ‘random number generator’ (RNG) were subject to VAT.

The gaming machines in issue were connected to a RNG which could serve up to six terminals. Under the VAT (Betting Gaming and Lotteries) Order SI 1975/3328 the takings from a gaming machine are not exempt if the ‘element of chance in the game is provided by means of the machine’. The issue was whether the ‘element of chance’ in a game played on these gaming machines was ‘provided by means of the machines’.

The Supreme Court referred to the definition of ‘machine’ in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary: ‘an apparatus using or applying mechanical power having several parts each with a definite...

If you or your firm subscribes to Taxjournal.com, please click the login box below:

If you do not subscribe but are a registered user, please enter your details in the following boxes:

Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this article in full.
Please reach out to customer services at +44 (0) 330 161 1234 or 'customer.services@lexisnexis.co.uk' for further assistance.
EDITOR'S PICKstar
Top