Spain's new gambling laws are 'impossible to implement'

MADRID If you win at bingo, or are hit with zillions by one of the several lotteries, you have to report it to the tax authorities. You might not get away with not doing so with the latter, but the bingo winnings -and the vast majority of smaller lottery winnings, including 'money returns', scratch cards and the occasional few euros- are much easier to evade paying taxes on. One report says "You just rip up any receipts and throw them away." Under the new laws on gambling, it is also theoretically possible to ask for a receipt for losses that then become tax deductible against any winnings. (A more detailed article will soon be available on SpainInformer.com)