Spain is expected to issue eGaming licences for all product verticals except slots at the beginning of June 2012. Some weeks ago, the Spanish tax authority contacted all of the major online gaming operators and made clear that, in their opinion, any online operator that has ever accepted customers from Spain has an obligation to pay Spanish taxes under two laws, one dating from 1966 and the other from 1977. Previously these laws were applied to operators based in Spain carrying out offline gaming activities and to certain kinds of bets (other than fixed odd bets).
Bwin.party pointed that, as a result, together with a number of other operators, they have completed a tax self-assessment in accordance with the Spanish Tax Authority’s requirements and as a result are making a payment of 25.6 million euros plus surcharges and interest of up to 8 million euros. Having taken these steps, the firm believes that they have now fulfilled all requirements and look forward to receiving their license and entering the Spanish market.