GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 46 - February 2020

Astan Morarji is an iGaming lawyer and managing director of Mitigatr Tech, providers of marketing compliance technology for iGaming operators and affiliates. Recently somebody asked me how I would describe Brexit in one sentence for businesses. Lots popped to my mind, but the one that I think resonates themost is that Brexit is a significant certain event based on totally uncertain things . for their business. While this might be sensible, it only really appeals to those with a sophisticated business setup. EMPLOYEES AND PEOPLE If you or any member of your team are travelling between the U.K. and Europe, make sure that you have at least six months’ validity on your travel documents. Do not just “wait until Brexit” before renewing your passport or similar ID. What’s more, the settlement status of employees between the U.K. and Europe is likely to come to the foreground as part of Brexit. Again, this hasn’t been clarified, it’s likely that drafting people “in and out” and between the U.K. and the EU will no longer work, so the best thing you can do is ascertain “who is where” so that you can take action once the final deal has been agreed. Recently somebody asked me how I would describe Brexit in one sentence for businesses. Lots popped to my mind, but the one that I think resonates the most is that Brexit is a significant certain event based on totally uncertain things. Until the final deal is negotiated, agreed and finalized, you can’t make those firm steps in the right direction. In fact, I would say that any steps you make are premature. While nobody likes to work against time, the reality is that we will have a transitionary period to the actual exit (and we might be in it right now), which will buy you time to make the right decisions. Whatever you do, don’t rush those decisions under the disguise of Brexit as it may be far less “business-shattering” than we all first thought. More and more will be released and published once the final deal is agreed, including commentary on what you can do as an iGaming affiliate. In the meantime, enjoy my favorite Brexit joke of all time: “The year is 2192. The British Prime Minister visits Brussels to ask for an extension of the Brexit deadline. No one remembers where this tradition originated, but every year it attracts many tourists from all over the world.” on top, tax advisors and lawyers are having a field day and most of us are getting more stressed). Now, what taxes, how much, when and what should I do? Who knows? It’s another one of those “can’t answer it until the withdrawal agreement exists.” It’s a big, hot, debatable topic and the most likely to impact your affiliate business. Right now, the best thing you can do is to take stock of your contracts in and between the U.K. and the EU. If you’re receiving or selling goods and/or services between the two, Brexit is likely to have an impact, so beware. That’s why you may have heard of companies moving, or creating branches, in the EU so that taxes within the EU stay the same Chain image by kostasgr/Shutterstock; Chips image by Sensvector/Shutterstock 41 G P W A t i m e s . o r g