An appeal to the Council of State was submitted by the RGA on taxation adopted by the Greek Government.
According to the RGA, objective shall be the cancellation of ministerial decision dictated the retroactive payment of taxes both on gross revenues of providers, and on the profits of the player.
This action is based on the argument that the proposed tax measures are unconstitutional, violate the right of business and are not consistent with the principle of proportionality. In addition, the proposals do not comply with the principle that international treaties take precedence over any conflicting provisions of Greek law.
As RGA, supports the proposed tax obligations for Internet providers is unconstitutional and incompatible with the requirements of the EU, at the same time that the Greek Government grants in OPAP, which holds a monopoly on offline gambling market, extension of existing authorization for maintaining a monopoly in offline gaming market for 10 additional years. The extension of the authorization is valid for the period 2020-2030, was unclear, which flies on the principles of fair competition.
In addition, today OPAP does not have to pay taxes, while internet service providers will be obliged to pay taxes of around 30% on gross profits. At the same time, it should be noted that OPAP's customers are not subject to withholding tax of 10% (for winnings under 100 euro).
Clive Hawkswood, RGA CEO said:
"The RGA believes that the opening of the Greek online market is a positive step. However, the proposed taxation will create major problems, putting non-competitive financial burdens to potential franchisees. There is no doubt that the implementation of these proposals will mean the failure of the regulation of the market in expense of the Greek Government and Greek consumers. There is still time to revise the rate of taxation. In this context, I hope that the officials from the Ministry of finance will be willing to discuss with us alternatives, which will be viable.
At the same time, we are waiting for the response of the European Commission on the two appeals filed, to ensure that Greece will meet the fundamental operating principles of the European market ".