Betsson believes that a future regulated German gaming market will offer considerable opportunities, and it intends to apply for a gaming licence as soon as this is possible. Betsson is therefore now submitting returns for historic tax on sports betting and paying approximately MSEK 113 to the German government. Betsson still believes that it is not subject to a tax liability, but is opting to declare the tax in order to avoid negative repercussions when applying for a licence in the future.
Betsson believes that the German gaming market for Internet gaming may become one of the largest in Europe and therefore aim to apply for a gaming licence in Germany. Germany has not issued any licences yet and the number of licences will be limited to 20, but Betsson believes that gaming licences will be issued at some point in the future even though no schedule has been yet communicated. In connection with the above, Betsson is submitting an income tax return for gaming tax in Germany for the period 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2015. Thereafter Betsson intends to submit returns for gaming tax in Germany monthly. As a result of the returns which are now being submitted, Betsson will probably transfer approximately MSEK 113 to the German State, of which MSEK 8.7 was accrued during the fourth quarter and the rest is a lump sum for previous quarters.
The German sports betting tax is based on turnover and amounts to 5% of the German players’ stakes. Betsson takes the position that Germany is not entitled to tax companies domiciled in another EU state that do not have any operations in Germany. Betsson therefore still believes it is not subject to a tax liability, but it is choosing to declare in order to prevent being differentiated from other companies which have applied or will apply for a licence.
Betsson intends to legally challenge the tax liability for the company.
For further information, please contact:
Pontus Lindwall, CEO & President Betsson AB (publ), phone: +46 (0)8 506 403 00, pontus.lindwall@betssonab.com
Fredrik Rüdén, CFO Betsson AB (publ), phone: +46 (0)8 506 403 00, fredrik.ruden@betssonab.com
This type of information Betsson AB is required to disclose under the Securities Market Act and/or the Trading in Financial Instruments. The information was published on Wednesday 3rd of February, 2016, at 16.00.
