Only weeks ahead of the first issuing of Spanish gambling licenses, the authorities did a volte-face and demanded that the applicants return backdated taxes for the previous four years. This unfortunate and game-changing surprise was not welcome and the poker information website Pokerfuse reported that many big Spanish gambling operators may face huge financial losses as a result. Of these, Bwin.Party is estimated to be losing around Euro 60 million, whereas it is a whopping Euro 200 million for PokerStars! The latter is actively considering repaying the amount, but the others may find it rather difficult to afford it and could end up withdrawing their license applications. According to Pokerfuse, the Gaming Act passed during the previous year had forced operators to get their licenses from January, 2012. But, deadlines were missed and there were consequent delays in regulation. The gambling operators were permitted to continue their operations till the licenses came through. When the licenses would finally come through, they would have to be prepared to meet the tax bills from July 2011, when the Act had been passed. This new move by the Spanish government for retrieving four year taxes is bound to have a lasting impact both on the business and monetary calculations of these companies.
Nutblocker bids adieu
Nearly a year and a half after it was launched, the poker educational website Nutblocker finally bade farewell. This website had been the brainchild of many leading internet stalwarts to enhance the player’s knowledge regarding pot Limit Omaha & Mixed Games. It was designed to improve interaction among the players and contained expert advice for their benefit including interviews with the most successful players. In March of this year, the company which had launched the Nutblocker magazine for less than $30 discontinued it. In a specification it was upheld that all the buyers had been duly compensated for all purchases made. The magazine and other content were left free on the website as a goodwill gesture.
Irish Bill to raise Euros
The politicians in Ireland are all set to pass an enactment prior to the summer break in the Parliament. This is directed to impose a one percent tax on the turnover for all gambling operators that are dealing in Irish bets. It is believed that during the first year, the taxes are going to be paid by 77 percent operators. This is expected to bring in 50 million Euros. The companies like Boyle Sports and Paddy Power are regarded as the most targeted betting companies. A Betfair commissioned report conducted by experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers holds that the taxes are expected to absorb 77 percent of the market from 2013 to 2016 and generate nearly 50 million Euros.
Partnership for Gaming
Buzz Sports which is based out of Leeds is all set to partner with Boylesports to launch ZonePlay vis-à-vis the sports betting site called Boylesports.com. This launch will then allow UK and Irish punters to bet on something which happens next in addition to the current betting markets which this sports site already offers. ZonePlay will include English Premier League soccer, cricket, tennis, baseball, basketball, and NFL.