April 11, 2011

Greece delays egaming bill amid ruling party concerns

Greece’s draft egaming legislation has been withdrawn for further consultation, after the ruling Socialist party (PASOK) expressed concerns with the law tabled by finance minister George Papaconstantinou.

A PASOK MP present at a meeting of party members told Reuters: “There were objections…that Greece would become a vast casino.” Socialist party MP Dimitris Papoutsis added: “We should not go towards full deregulation of gaming and gambling."

The Greek government presented the bill aimed at raising around €700m this year from the issue of 15-55 new licences to its parliament last month.

Greece’s draft legislation has already undergone several changes since being introduced in January. Last month the government voted for a 30% gross profit tax (GPT) instead of the 6% turnover levy originally proposed after briefing from lobby group the Remote Gambling Association.

The Greek government also dropped plans last month for a “black period”, requiring applicant operators to cease activity in the market until licensed.

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