More than 200 operators applied for the state-issued i-poker license - Netherlands
It is a fact that gaming operators have always experienced tough situations when it comes to running a gaming business in a regulated market. However, that fact is too thin to consider as an obstacle for the development of the gaming industry, as is evidenced by the huge number of operators who actually show great interest in operating online poker platform in the Netherlands. Since the country has passed a bill to regulate the market, over 200 applications have been submitted to the Dutch Games of Chance Authority. This gigantic application wave has somewhat set some members of the Dutch parliament alight. The Secretary of State for Security and Justice, Klaas Dijkhoff, was asked to make a new estimate on the potential revenues that the market would generate.
By all account, this new study could put into question the preferential terms to be granted to online operators since the tax on internet-based poker rooms was initially set to 20% of the gross gaming revenue, while that of brick-and-mortar casinos is officially stuck to 29 %. Of course, various discussions have been scheduled to reach a common ground on the tax levied on land-based casinos and online poker operators. Expectedly, the authorities could rule the existing 29% tax, or introduce a compromise of 25% tax for both businesses. Obvious as it is, an increase of the taxation could somewhat incite those applicants to take a step back, and eventually water the fast-growing illegal gaming websites. That said, the Parliament has to focus great efforts on how to better attract gaming investors and prevent tax evasion.
Source: Oliver JOHNSON
Thursday, 07 May 2015
This page has been viewed 873 times.
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
|