The EGBA Warns About a Possible EU Tax on Online Gambling

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has pointed out that a potential tax by the European Union on online gambling would be unfeasible and harmful to both consumer protection and the tax revenues of member states. During the vote in the European Parliament's Budget Committee, this tax was identified as a new potential source of revenue for the EU budget, as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.

Opinion of the Budget Committee

The Budget Committee of the European Parliament has included a tax on online gambling as a potential source of direct revenue. The EGBA believes that implementing this tax, in addition to existing national taxes, would be impractical. Currently, gambling is not harmonized at the EU level, and there is no legal basis to define, administer, or collect such a tax.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, stated: "Today's vote is a tentative call for member states to consider the idea of an EU tax on online gambling." The final decision on any new own resource of the EU requires unanimous agreement from the 27 member states in the Council of the EU.

Impact on the Illegal Market

Illegal operators, who do not pay taxes, could offer more attractive products without the consumer safeguards provided by licensed operators. Haijer added that adding an EU tax would further aggravate this situation, expanding the black market and reducing consumer protection and tax revenues.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The European Parliament is expected to vote on the Committee's opinion in its plenary session in late April. Following this, formal negotiations on the multiannual financial framework will begin, with a conclusion expected by the end of 2026.

The EGBA will closely monitor the development of these discussions, seeking to protect the interests of licensed operators and ensure that regulation does not become a burden that promotes illegality.