It could become more expensive for regulated online poker operators to offer services in the ring-fenced Italian marketplace thanks to a proposal to introduce a new "Digital Tax" beginning January 1, 2017. Economy Undersecretary Enrico Zanetti confirmed that if the tax becomes law, it will be levied on online gambling transactions.
According to Poker Industry Pro, the proposed new tax has the support of Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who was initially opposed to such an idea when it was originally presented two years ago.
The proposed "Digital Tax," also known as the "Web Tax," is expected to levy a 25 percent withholding tax to companies that have been transacting over the Internet for at least six months in amounts of €5 million or more.