The Remote Gambling Association has submitted its evidence to the Greek Government's consultation on its draft gambling law, which includes the proposed licensing of remote operators.
The RGA’s submission, covering the legislation’s articles relating to remote gambling, raises a number of issues that require clarification, but the draft law has been broadly welcomed by the organisation. However, the addition of a specific paper on taxation identifies the fundamental issue of concern to the RGA and the global gambling operators it represents.
Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the RGA, commented: "We have some concerns about the practicality and necessity of certain aspects of the draft legislation, as well as the compatibility of some of those with EU law. Nevertheless, overall the legislation represents a positive step by the Greek authorities and we are working with them to clarify certain issues and we hope to have further dialogue on those matters. Of fundamental importance, however, is the taxation regime that will be put into operation and the proposed six per cent turnover tax is, as in France, simply not viable for operators in a highly competitive global market."
The RGA has asked for clarification in a number of areas of the draft law. "We know from a recent survey conducted for us that many Greek citizens are focused on value and choice when selecting their gambling service provider. Limiting the size of the market may not cater for that consumer demand and the result will be a continuing migration of Greek citizens to operators licensed in other jurisdictions in search of a the broadest product range and the best value," added Hawkswood.
