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Two separate verdicts to possibly reshape EU online poker legislation - Online poker
Online poker industry in Europe is likely to encounter a possible change in the next couple of months with the outcome of the two rulings from the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg (CJEU) and the Royal Court of Justice in London (RCJ). Both verdicts could have a significant impact on European online poker law. The first case concerns the Royal Scandinavian Casino in Aarhus, Denmark, and the European Commission. According to the gaming facility, Danmark-based online poker providers are charged lower tax rates compared to those charged to land-based casinos; the Royal Scandinavian Casino argued the fact is contrary to Article 87 of the “Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union” (TFEU).
If the CJEU ruled in favor of Royal Scandinavian Casino, the decision would directly affect both taxation system on online poker rooms and poker legislation in Portugal and the Netherlands; it is worth mentioning that taxes charged to e-poker providers in these countries are pretty similar to those in Denmark. All things considered, the verdicts might drive some online poker operators to withdraw from certain European country markets. By endorsing higher taxes, operators who choose to stay will be forced to shape up their gaming offers. Accordingly they would have to increase the rake and fees, as is already adopted by e-gambling sites operating in France, Spain and Italy. Would-be affected by the verdicts also include benefits awarded to players such as freerolls, VIP Rewards and other promotional offers.
Source: James WILLIAMS
Monday, 29 September 2014
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