by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels
27 March 2017
UK-based bookmaker William Hill has become the latest company in
the gambling sector to withdraw from the Polish market ahead of the introduction
of a new regulatory and tax regime for the industry.
William Hill has reportedly informed customers and affiliates that it will
cease offering gambling services in Poland on April 1, 2017, when Poland’s new
gambling legislation is introduced.
Several other firms offering online gambling and gaming services in Poland
have also signaled plans to withdraw from the Polish market when the new law
takes effect, including Pinnacle, EnergyBet, and Olympic Entertainment Group.
Under the incoming law, gambling operators will be required to pay a 12 percent
tax on their sports betting turnover.
The legislation has been the subject of heavy criticism from the gambling industry,
with the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) having described the new tax regime
as “not workable.”
The RGA has called on the Government to base the tax on gross profits, rather
than turnover.
“We have advised the Polish authorities that their fiscal framework is
not workable,” the Association said last year. “Until it is changed,
few operators will take up licenses in Poland. This will continue to stifle
competition, value, and choice for consumers.”