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Bingo, live games and lotteries are the new targets for the taxes increase, the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Finance announced on Monday.
Currently, all gambling taxes in the country are set at 23% of gross gaming revenue (GGR), aside from gaming machines, which are at 35%. This is expected to change in January 2020 if Ministry of Finance proposal will get approved. Lotteries, live games and bingo would be taxed at 30% and other forms of gambling, like sports betting, would face a more modest increase from 23% to 25% of GGR.
Ministry’s plans have already drawn criticism though. ”For lotteries, I would leave the rate of taxation at the current level. I consider the increase to 30% to be absolutely disproportionate and unnecessary.”, said former government’s Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek
Several other local politicians also have expressed their fears that an increase in taxes could lead to an increase in illegal gambling, as well as being counter-productive in collecting taxes.
Ministry’s proposal, which also includes a tax increase for tobacco and alcohol sectors, is aiming to „increase the public budget.”
