CJEU Rules In Favor of Italian Player in Tax Dispute
Key Takeaways
  • The European Union Court of Justice (CJEU) has ruled that the Italian government cannot pursue players for income tax on winnings from playing in poker tournaments in other EU countries.
  • The Provincial Tax Commission of Rome had claimed that Team PokerStars Pro, Pier Paolo Fabretti owed income taxes on the €52k he won for his victory in the €10.5k High Roller Event at the IPT Perla in Slovenia in 2009.
  • The ruling again gives an indication that the CJEU is not taking a soft line on EU member states who make weak arguments that the restrictive provisions of their national gambling laws are justified by consumer protection.

The European Union Court of Justice (CJEU) has ruled that the Italian government cannot pursue players for income tax on winnings from playing in poker tournaments in other EU countries.

The Provincial Tax Commission of Rome had claimed that Team PokerStars Pro Pier Paolo Fabretti owed income taxes on the €52k he won for his victory in the €10.5k High Roller Event at the IPT Perla in Slovenia in 2009.

He also received demands for winnings from other tournaments, as did fellow tournament player Christiano Blanco.