Facing a £22 billion “black hole” in the Nation’s finances, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is under pressure from several sides.

Businesses that offer gambling to UK customers from offshore need to get ready for key changes to betting and gaming taxes, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) urged today. Changes to the rules for Remote Gaming Duty (RGD), General Betting Duty (GBD) and Pool Betting Duty (PBD) come into effect on 1 December 2014.

The government commission examining gambling in Sweden wants to allow foreign gaming companies to operate in the country. The companies would pay for a licence to arrange betting on sports such as football, ice hockey, as well as harness racing. However, it would be a punishable offence to allow people under 18 to place bets, said commission head Jan Nyrén, citing harness racing and Oddset-brand sports betting sheets, reports Sveriges Radio.