The companies in the industry express their strong reaction to the intentions of the government to increase the taxation of the players of the online games.
“Undersecretary of Finance Mr. Vesyropoulos expressed his intention, suddenly, without any prior information or consultation, to impose additional taxation on online gamblers, as another ‘easy solution’ to cover public revenue,” the statement said. signed by Bet365, Betshop, Bwin, Interwetten, Netbet, Novibet, Sportingbet, Stoiximan, Vistabet and Winmasters
It is noted that since the entry into force of the new, stable framework of online games in Greece, in 2021, for the second time in six months, the Ministry of Finance imposes additional taxation on online games, in other words changing once again the operating conditions market, which is a direct distortion of it.
Gaming companies also note:
“In fact, the tax comes in addition to the high cost of 5 million euros paid by companies to obtain an operating license in Greece and a tax of 35% on their income, one of the highest taxes in Europe, while companies generate total revenue. for the state from taxation – direct and indirect – exceeding 350 million per year.
In addition, the imposition of additional taxation, as evidenced by all relevant European examples, indirectly leads to the strengthening of the illegal market, which to date both the new regulatory framework and the actions of the EEEP have reduced to zero.
The loss of players from licensed companies / providers to the illegal market, as a result of additional taxation, entails an automatic reduction of public revenues and at the same time a significant blow to the operation and competitiveness of the market and companies.
The companies operating in Greece are the main blood donors of Greek sports, with the majority of professional teams, professional championships and athletes representing the country in international events and the Olympic Games being financially supported by them, covering in many cases the inability of the state to finance the Greek champions.
They support sports infrastructure, having in the last year alone, on private initiative, built and modernized more than 20 sports venues, supporting organizations and agencies with social intervention, while at the same time being key advertisers, spending more than 100 million annually, creating multiple benefits for greek economy.
The companies in the market are one of the most important employers in the country, employing thousands of young people, mainly people, in sensitive sectors such as technology, while they are on the list of top Greek employers in Greece and Europe.
We understand that our market is the ‘easy solution’, without a negative communication impact for the Deputy Minister of Finance, who as a result does not realize that the additional taxation is a distortion of the market itself and will ultimately lead to a reduction in revenue for the state .
The market for online games is one of the fastest growing in Greece and produces ever-increasing benefits for public revenues, sports, the labor market and society.
The change in the rules of its operation, without prior consultation or relevant study, with arbitrary acts, of dubious results, such as the imposition of additional taxation, is unaware of reality and proves that healthy growing industries are the easy prey of an administration. which on paper favors entrepreneurship and competition ”.
Source: Capital
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