Bit from Central America -- Lawmakers in Costa Rica are considering a tax increase for its gambling industry. Taxnews.com is reporting that representatives of the Costa Rican gambling industry protested the Asemblea Nacional last week over a proposed tax hike for sports books, casinos and other industries that are typically subject to "sin taxes." Included in the proposals is a 5 percent increase to the 40 percent corporate tax rate. The Costa Rican gambling industry is warning that the proposed $1,000 per month tax on computers used to place Internet bets will drive gaming companies to operate out of other countries.
Parisian Tidbit -- Representatives from the horse racing industry from 60 countries met in Paris recently for the annual conference of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, where one of the main topics of discussion was Internet and account wagering options. Plans for a "good neighbor policy" regarding international simulcasting and wagering rights were also on the table. Hong Kong and Japan are so far the first two nations to promote the policy. They recently decided not to accept wagers from the other's citizens in order to protect their markets.