The bill sets out plans to increase the top levy per gaming table to US$4,200, up from US$ 2,100. The draft bill also includes measures to raise the maximum tax levy on gaming machines in Russia from US$ 125 to US$ 250.
However, in order for the bill to actually come into law, it must pass a further three readings in the State Duma, with the second of these scheduled to take place today (Friday). In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin must approve and sign off on the bill to enable it to become law.
The proposed changes have been met with a somewhat mixed response from companies active in the Russian market with Summit Ascent Holdings, operator of the Tigre De Cristal casino in Artem, questioning if the changes are "legally enforceable”.
In a statement, Summit Ascent said: "It is too early for the board of directors of the Company to predict whether the above proposed changes will become legally enforceable.”
Summit Ascent also said that having held talks with representatives from the Primorsky Government, the special Gaming Zone in Russia, about the potential changes, it found that the regional government was keen to "maintain the tax rates at existing levels should the bill be enacted”.
Source: GMB / iGaming Business
