Statement: European Parliament Opinion on Potential EU Online Gambling Levy
15.04.2026
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.
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.
About EGBA
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is the Brussels-based trade association representing the leading online gambling operators established, licensed, and regulated within the EU. EGBA collaborates with national and EU authorities and other stakeholders to foster a well-regulated online gambling market that protects consumers and channels consumer demand towards regulated operators. As part of its commitment to player protection, EGBA also organises the annual European Safer Gambling Week, bringing together industry stakeholders to promote safe and sustainable play.
EGBA members collectively hold 321 online gambling licences – each with its own strict compliance requirements – to offer their services across 21 European countries. Beyond these requirements, members also adhere to EGBA’s industry standards and codes on responsible advertising, anti-money laundering, and player protection. Together, they account for approximately 30% of Europe’s online gambling gross gaming revenue.
