BOOKMAKERS have welcomed the introduction of tax-free betting in Britain saying punters will now get a much better deal.

Under the new rules, the nine per cent betting tax has been replaced with a 15 per cent tax on bookies' profits.

Ladbrokes' area operations manager Helen Grodentz said: "We're delighted to welcome tax-free betting to Harlow. It will bring many benefits to our customers and to our industry."