Malta Threatens Veto Over EU Gambling Tax Plan
Malta has threatened to veto a proposed EU-wide levy on online gambling that could raise around €1.9 billion per year.
The European Parliament supported exploring the levy as part of plans for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget. The European Commission estimated that a 3% charge on net online gambling turnover could generate €1.86 billion annually.
Spain would make the largest estimated contribution at €414 million per year. Poland would contribute €231.7 million, Germany €208.7 million and Malta €165.1 million.
Malta strongly opposes the proposal because online gambling represents a significant part of its economy. Prime Minister Robert Abela said the country would not accept an EU-level tax used to fund the bloc’s central budget.
New EU revenue measures require approval from all 27 member states. Malta could therefore block the proposal by voting against it.
The European Gaming and Betting Association also criticised the plan. It argued that gambling rules and taxes are not harmonised across the EU, making a common levy difficult to manage.
Maarten Haijer, EGBA secretary general, warned:
There would be only one winner: illegal operators.
The Commission also recognised that additional costs could push some players towards unlicensed gambling sites. Negotiations over the EU budget and its possible new revenue sources are expected to continue through 2026.
