PokerStars’ Position on Spanish Taxation

Pokerstars engaged Spanish punters and this week there are a number of published accounts regarding the discussion that took place in Barcelona over a two day period.

The first round of Spanish licenses are set to be issued in over the next week and the position of PokerStars has drawn attention.

Government taxation will boost the cost of playing online poker and it seems that this poker room would like to pass the expense on to players by increasing rake fees and cutting down on promotion and incentives.

The introduction of a dedicated Spanish poker site will result in VPP points and bonuses accumulated by Spanish players transferring over and with any luck will include compensation for the reduction in player liquidity of a dedicated site. The FPP store will remain with comparable bonuses in Euros.

It is also believe that PokerStars will restrict the available games in the early stages to ensure liquidity. All no-limit tables will be 40-100BB only, with no CAP or deep tables. Heads up tables will be off limits due to the administrative tax applicable to even unraked pots. Five card draw will be offered as well as Zoom Poker.

Spanish tax authorities have not yet provided any explanation as to how taxation will affect the individual poker player. With current regulations, players must pay tax on winning but may not claim rebates on losses. It seems that PokerStars is trying back regulator and the taxman into a corner in this sticky situation.

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