Spain’s Christmas Lottery contributions set to drop

According to the Treasury’s forecasts, public coffers in Spain will receive less money from the Christmas Lottery in 2019 due to tax regime changes.

Spain.- The year is coming to an end and, with it, traditional season lottery draws arrive. However, some are concerned in Spain, where the lowered tax regime will impact on the Christmas Lottery in 2019.

The segment’s performance has not dropped and is as healthy as ever. However, €162 million will enter the State from prizes taxation, €13.5 million less than in 2018. The decline is due to an increase in the minimum exempt to €20k, €10k more than last year.

Organisation GESTHA asked the government to approve a Royal Decree Law to preserve income for the State. They want the minimum set at €20k on Lotteries, ONCE and Red Cross prizes to be extended. Otherwise, in 2020 it would double up to €40k in Spain and most of the prizes of the Christmas Lottery would be exempt.

Blows on the gaming segment

Like several regions did in the recent months, Seville has announced the suspension of new licences for gaming rooms. The authorities won’t issue any further permits for at least a year.

The Planning Department approved the measure, which will run through 2020. Not only does Seville included the opening of new venues, but also urban planning licenses for expanding existing ones.

Seville’s decision adds to a nationwide trend that put a stop to gaming rooms. Other jurisdictions such as Navarra, Madrid and Extremadura, have taken similar measures until it is properly regulated.