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On the Regressivity of Gambling Taxes in Switzerland

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  • Dimitri Kohler

Abstract

In this study, the author assesses whether the gambling tax in Switzerland is regressive using a large, representative sample of the population and the reported gambling expenditures of the Swiss Health Survey 2007 (SHS 07). To analyze the tax incidence, the Suits index was constructed. This result is supported by a regression analysis, which highlights the income elasticity of gambling expenditures. The two measures provide converging results and demonstrate the regressive pattern of the gambling tax in Switzerland. As such, this taxation structure contributes to increased income inequality in Switzerland.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitri Kohler, 2016. "On the Regressivity of Gambling Taxes in Switzerland," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 152(III), pages 193-208, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ses:arsjes:2016-iii-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Price, Donald I. & Novak, E. Shawn, 1999. "The Tax Incidence of Three Texas Lottery Games: Regressivity, Race, and Education," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 52(4), pages 741-752, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gambling taxes; inequity; regressivity; incidence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H22 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Incidence
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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