Online casino news relating to Ireland and Gibraltar

Here at onlinecasino.ie we try to keep abreast of any news relating to online casinos accessible and popular in Ireland, and although the latest news is not specifically Irish casino news it will potentially effect at least two of our most well-known online casino operators. Over recent months we have regularly commented on the effect that new British tax laws may have on the online casino operators, particularly those who have based their operations offshore in places such as Gibraltar. Industry experts have calculated that the proposals to introduce a 15% levy on the online casino operators based on where the casino games are played rather than where the company is based will cost the online gambling industry up to £300 million, with major companies such as William Hill, Ladbrokes and Betfair taking a big hit on their profits. What has not been generally discussed is the effect of this tax raid on the economy of Gibraltar. Apparently the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association has now filed a legal challenge to seek a judicial review of these proposals, which were due to come into force in December, claiming that the new tax regime would be ‘unlawful and disproportionate’ and does not allow the ‘right to free movement of services’ enshrined in European Union law. The GBGA suggests that the new tax is designed for economic reasons and not to protect British online casino games players, adding that it will in fact persuade some online gambling companies to move their operations to less well regulated countries offering less protection to the punters rather than more. The GBGA also claim that the new tax regime could cost as many as 1300 jobs in Gibraltar as well as cutting £20 million from the Gibraltar government’s income. Only time will tell whether there will be a judicial review but it is possible that the new tax regime may at least be delayed if not totally withdrawn.