Why should online gambling operators pay for Dutch political indolence?

Dutch politicians have been dithering for years on legislation regulating and licensing online gambling, and it appears that they now expect operators to subsidise their lethargic progress.

According to 2018 budget proposals unveiled Tuesday, the government’s plan is to raise additional tax revenue to cover costs due to the continuing delays in moving forward on new gambling laws.

The proposal is that the presently proposed (and high by international standards) tax rate on GGR of 29 percent be “temporarily” increased to 30.1 percent next year before being reduced back to 29 percent six months after the online gambling changes are actually implemented.

Our readers will recall that the relevant bill was passed by the Dutch Lower House last year after years of debate and delays, yet still languishes in the Upper House.

Meanwhile the Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit, (KSA) has become increasingly aggressive in applying Dutch gambling laws, following its threat last year to increase the level of enforcement.

Related and similar