One company awarded a licence in the first round was Betfair and they’ve become the latest operator to please the Spanish by paying off their tax bill. The online betting exchange explained in an RNS announcement that it had “satisfied” everything set out by the Spanish tax authority and will pay “not more than €10 million”. By paying the charge they will be able to offer a sportsbook service to Spanish customers. Under the regulations their exchange won’t be available until the Spanish regulator has undertaken further consultation.
Betfair also launched their fixed odds offering in the UK earlier today in a move that will look to further challenge their competitors. They estimate that 30 percent of customers go to competitors to partake in fixed odds betting and they’re hoping that becoming a “one-stop shop” it will address this shortfall. Group operations director Ian Chuter added: “From today, Betfair customers can now bet whatever way they choose.”