Statement: European Parliament Opinion on Potential EU Online Gambling Levy
EGBA warns that a potential EU online gambling levy would be fundamentally unworkable, would benefit illegal operators at the expense of consumer protection, and would reduce tax revenues for Member States. Brussels, 15 April 2026 – The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) notes today’s v…
EGBA warns that a potential EU online gambling levy would be fundamentally unworkable, would benefit illegal operators at the expense of consumer protection, and would reduce tax revenues for Member States. Brussels, 15 April 2026 – The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) notes today’s vote by the European Parliament’s Budget Committee on its opinion concerning the EU’s next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. The Committee’s opinion identifies a number of potential new direct revenue streams for the EU budget, including an EU levy on online gambling. EGBA believes that introducing an EU online gambling levy, on top of existing national gambling taxes, would be fundamentally unworkable, would benefit illegal operators at the expense of consumer protection for EU citizens, and would reduce tax revenues for Member States. The final decision on any new EU own resource – a direct revenue stream for the EU budget – requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 Member States acting through the EU Council. Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, says: “Today’s vote is a tentative, conditional call on Member States to explore the idea of an EU online gambling levy. It is neither a proposal nor a decision. Gambling is currently not harmonised at EU level and there is no legal basis to define, administer or collect such a levy. Setting aside these legal obstacles, adding yet another levy on top of existing national taxes – in a sector where licensed operators in some Member States are already taxed at rates exceeding 50% of gross gaming revenue – would only have one winner: illegal operators.” Haijer adds: “Because they pay no tax, illegal operators can already offer players more attractive products and prices without any of the consumer safeguards that licensed operators provide. Adding an EU levy would make this situation even worse: expanding the black market, harming consumer protection for EU citizens, and reducing overall tax revenues for Member States.” The European Parliament is expected to vote on the Committee opinion at its plenary in late April. Following this, the formal MFF negotiations will begin, with a conclusion expected by the end of 2026. The post Statement: European Parliament Opinion on Potential EU Online Gambling Levy appeared first on EGBA.