Andorra Finalizes Online Poker Draft Ahead Of 2015 Vote

Andorra has moved one step closer to allowing its small population of roughly 85,000 people to play regulated online poker, after a final draft of a bill first proposed in 2013 was completed by the Legislative Committee. The final version of the bill is now expected to be voted upon next year, and if passed will introduce a raft of new laws for both online and live gambling.
Currently both casinos and online gambling are illegal in the small nation located in Southwestern Europe, but the new proposed gambling bill envisages allowing a single casino to open in the micro-state next year, with an attractive tax regime awaiting any operator chosen by the state. The introduction of casino gambling is currently being promoted as a potentially lucrative source of income for the country, not so much derived from its own small population, but originating from the 10 million tourists who visit the country each year. As Andorra’s Minister of the Presidency, Antoni Riberaygua, explains:
“This is about the opening of a new calm and prudent activity, which can lead to the growth and emergence of a sector potentially attractive to future visitors.”
However, Antoni Riberaygua made it clear that all efforts would be made to avoid the negative social impact of gambling, and that having a singe casino would mean visitors would still be drawn to the country on account of its dramatic mountain scenery, skiing, shopping, and restaurants, and not just to visit numerous gambling facilities.
Online gambling proposals will also be voted upon next year, with poker subsequently classed as a game of both skill and luck, therefore requiring operators to obtain a class D license in order to offer their products. Furthermore, the bill includes stringent guidelines designed to prevent minors from being able to gamble online.