The commission, which set a deadline of August 9 for applications, said that it had already ranked the bids by score – and selected the highest tax rate offered among the bidders.
The 64% rate would apply if the Commission selects four or five operator licenses, with contributions dropping gradually to 50% for between 10 and 12 operators and 35% for 13 or more. Fourteen operators have featured in the bidding process so far, although any that decline to conform with the new tax matrix will be cut from the process.