Horror in Whitehall last night as the Secretary of State for Sport, Culture and Game Shows revealed that in a desperate bid to raise funds the Government will be introducing a tax on Gameshow winnings from 2011. 'This new tax will help to bolster our economy and seeing as most of the people on these shows are on benefits anyway it is only fair that we take the cash off them. Have you seen the people on Come Dine With Me? They can't be trusted with the money.' It is understood that the tax will be between 10% and 90% of Gameshow winnings depending on the programme the money is won from. The figures published last night indicated that money won on Eggheads would be taxed at the lowest 10% rate (due to the rarity of anyone winning) whereas Deal or No Deal? winners face a minimum tax of £200. If their winnings are a 'blue' 1p to £100 then they will have to shell out for the difference.
Left-wing analysts have claimed that this tax hits the poorest most, highlighting that daytime Gameshows tend to attract the unemployed (by virtue of their scheduling) and the 'skill-less' games such as Deal or No Deal? and Are You Smarter Than a Ten Year Old? are being punished with higher tax penalties whereas the more skilled Mastermind and Who Wants to be a Millionaire? are barely taxed at all. 'Everyone knows you have to be Middle Class to win the serious money, and the government haven't allowed this to reflect in their taxation policy' said one anonymous blogger and quiz fan. 'It simply isn't fair'.
The government insists that with the increase of people playing quiz and memory aid games on their Nintendo DSs and the infinite scheduling of Countdown and the Weakest Link that this tax could be a real coup.
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Government to introduce Gameshow tax
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