It isn’t the coronavirus pandemic that threatens the health of certain Italian bookmakers. It’s failing to pay taxes, and the government’s crackdown on those who don’t.
Marcello Minenna, newly appointed director-general of Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), has begun discussions with the Guardia di Finanza (GDF) to create procedures to shut down non-compliant shops, according to SBC News. In order to approve closures, Minenna needs an agreement with counterparts at GDF, which serves as the federal agency charged with enforcement of Italian business penalties and cessations.
The ADM, Italy’s gaming regulatory body, can close businesses in the wake of amendments under Italy’s 2020 Budget Law, approved last December. The agency has reminded bookmakers that the new amendments received approval from the European Court of Justice.
ADM expects to collect a reported €120 million (US$141.4 million) in unpaid taxes, dating back to 2018.
