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Bookie sponsorship deals put at risk in Spain
Plans of Spanish government to regulate and tax online betting is causing serious headache for local sport to lose over EUR 100 million in sponsorship deals. The bill is still in early stage of discussion and expected to be presented to the Spanish Parliament early next year.
The proposed tax scheme - flat 10% on the turnover already raised warnings about leading to an uncompetitive market that will turn most operators away from Spain. This can mean significant losses in advertising revenue, just for example five clubs from Primera Division having online bookmakers as their shirt sponsors - Real Madrid (bwin), Valencia (Unibet), Mallorca (bet-at-home), Espanyol (Interwetten) and Sevilla (12bet).
Leaders in the Spanish online gambling industry, including AEDAPI, EGBA (European Gaming and Betting Association) and RGA (Remote Gambling Association) are calling for a public consultation to share their concerns with the Spanish government before any final decisions are made.
