The European Commission has approved Croatia’s proposed online gambling laws, clearing the way for their introduction into the national parliament.
Multiple media reports indicate that the proposed legislation requires prospective operators to apply for a specific gambling license from the Ministry of Finance, pay a start-up fee of HRK3 million($488,000), the same amount in annual fees and 5% tax on gross revenue.
Operators must also have a bank deposit of HRK3 million when they make their applications as a guarantee of their financial stability.
Players will be required to pay taxes on their winnings based on a tiered incremental system. Any player who wins HRK750 to HRK10,000 would pay 10% on their winnings. The number goes up to 15% for winnings up to HRK30,000, 20% for winnings up to HRK500,000 and 30% for HRK500,001 and above.
Romania makes proposed amendments to gambling laws
Over in Romania, the country’s government has notified the European Commission of proposed amendments to its gambling legislation. The amendments are in response to the EC’s infringement proceedings against the country in November 2013 for not having proper control over its online gambling industry.
The proposed amendments to Government Emergency Ordinance No 77/2009 address multiple issues including taxes remitted by gambling operators, taxes imposed on tournament winners and payment methods used by online gambling sites.
Another part of the proposed amendment calls for the creation of three types of licenses. A Class 1 license will be available to operators offering “remote” games of chance to consumers. The cost of a Class 1 license will be based on the annual turnover of the company with a minimum amount of €6,000 for operators with turnover under €500,000 per year. Operators who make over €10,000,001 per year will be required to pay up to a maximum of €120,000.
Class 2 licenses involve all legal persons who participate in remote or traditional gambling, including software providers, affiliates and testing houses. The cost of this license is €6,000.
The final license, a Class 3 license, will be available to companies that run lottery games.
