Romania rethinks online gambling requirements

The Romanian government is reconsidering its regulation and tax requirements for prospective online gambling licence applicants following a total lack of interest in the regime four years on from when it was implemented.

Despite repeated warnings from industry experts, the Romanians insisted on introducing high fees and a 25 percent tax rate, successfully discouraging any operators from taking out licensing in the Eastern European country.

European Commission reservations about the restrictive nature of the Romanian regulations did little to improve the situation, and now parliamentarians are debating a more sensible set of requirements, according to gaming law experts DLA Piper.

Among the changes are reported extensions in licensing duration from 5 years to 10 years; and a reduction in the taxation levels.

The Budget Commission of the Chamber of Deputies has approved the draft changes, which will be debated and hopefully voted on this month, although there could be disruption in the form of presidential elections in mid-November

In related news, the much debated and delayed Mexican land and online gambling reforms are reportedly at last coming together in terms of political agreement between the leading parties.

Local media reports suggest that the reforms include a minimum age for gambling of 21 and precautions against problem gambling, criminal involvement and money laundering.

Interested parties apparently reached consensus on the reforms at a meeting on November 4, agreeing that the reforms would include ten-year licenses, regulate and licence online gambling, and establish a new Advisory Council composed of the departments of health, tourism, economics and government, along with selected non-government bodies.

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