Gambling revenues in Latvia, and gambling tax rates in Udmurtia: gambling news digest

The State Duma will consider the bill № 647044-7 in April, and authorities of Udmurtia established new tax rates for the gambling business. Read further in the digest about main news of the industry.

Georgia will not ban gambling ads

According to the decision of the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Irakli Kobakhidze, lawmakers will halt the consideration of the bill on the ban of gambling advertising.

Besides, the bill stipulating the raise of the age limit for citizens allowed to gamble has been presented to consideration. Earlier, the Georgians were eligible to play when they turn 21 years old, but now the offer is to increase the limit to 25 years of age.

Gambling revenues increased in Latvia

In 2018, the total turnover of the gambling business in Latvia was €277 million, which is by 11.5% more than in 2017. Besides, the revenue from the online gambling was equal to €41 million and from card tournaments – to €263,000.

Let’s remind that Latvian Saeima's Budget and Finance Committee will consider the initiative of banning the gambling business.

The bill on restricting the number of betting events and hardware to be considered in April

The bill № 647044-7 ‘About the introduction of changes to the Federal law ‘About the state regulation of the organization and conduct of gambling and about the introduction of changes to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation’ was included in the tentative law-drafting program of the State Duma for April of 2019.

Authorities of Udmurtia established maximum tax rate for gambling business

Deputies of Udmurtia’s National Council unanimously voted to set the highest possible tax rate for the gambling industry.

The tax rate will grow by 125,000 rubles per one tote processing center, and from 125,000 to 250,000 rubles per one betting center. Besides, the authorities plan to increase the tax rate per one tote betting shop and one betting shop from 7,000 to 14,000 rubles.

The National Government of China advises Macao to toughen gambling regulation

The National Government of China hopes that Macao will tighten the regulation of the gambling industry and diversify the sector by offering additional non-gambling products.

It was reported by Fu Ziying, the director of the Macau Liaison Office. He spoke at the National People’s Congress in Beijing voicing concerns to the delegates from Macao.