The European Commission reportedly estimates that a potential EU gambling levy could raise €13.3bn. The proposed tax could generate €1.9bn annually from 2028 to 2034, while Malta and the EGBA oppose it.
The proposal could create a recurring tax cost for gambling businesses operating across the EU.
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CEN is expected to publish a European standard on markers of gambling harm this year, following a majority vote by national standardisation bodies in September. Its use will be gradual and voluntary, with national regulators deciding whether to incorporate it into licensing and supervision. Industry participants cited differences in national rules and data-protection requirements as compliance challenges.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets called on member states to consider an EU-level tax on online gambling in its opinion on the 2028–2034 financial framework. EGBA opposed the idea, saying the sector is not harmonised and that the vote is a preliminary, conditional call rather than a formal proposal; it also said new EU own resources would require unanimous approval by all 27 member states.
The EGBA warned that a proposed EU-wide online gambling levy could benefit unlicensed operators and reduce Member State tax income. The European Parliament’s Budget Committee included the idea in its opinion on the 2028–2034 budget, but the EGBA said the committee vote was not a formal proposal or decision.
The European Gaming and Betting Association said a possible EU online gambling tax in the 2028–2034 budget framework could benefit illegal operators. The European Parliament's Budget Committee vote referred to considering the idea, not adopting a tax; a final decision on new EU own resources would require unanimous approval by the 27 member states. Parliament was expected to vote on the opinion in late April.
The European Parliament's Budget Committee proposed considering an EU-wide online gambling levy in an opinion vote on the 2028–2034 long-term budget, according to the report. The vote was tentative, and the proposal would require unanimous approval from all 27 member states. The EGBA argued that an additional levy could disadvantage licensed operators and benefit illegal operators; a parliamentary vote on the committee opinion was expected later in April.