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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
Four EU countries opposed to a single tax on online gambling
🔹 The European Union is discussing introducing a uniform 3% tax on online operators' gross gaming revenue (GGR) as part of the new EU budget for 2028–2034 years. According to the European Commission's estimates, such a levy could bring in about €1,9 billion per year, but its adoption would require the unanimous support of all 27 member states.
🔹 Malta, Spain, Italy and Portugal have already come out against the initiative, while its main proponent is France. Malta is taking the toughest stance, where the gambling industry accounts for about 12% of GDP. Prime Minister Robert Abela said the country will not support an EU-wide tax, and the European Commission estimates Malta's potential annual losses at €165 million.
🔹 Opponents warn that the new tax could make legal operators less competitive, worsen conditions for players and encourage the growth of the illegal market. Supporters view it as an additional source of revenue for the EU budget and link the reform to possible tightening of restrictions on gambling advertising.
🔹 One of the public supporters of the tax was former England national team goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who, after years of struggling with gambling addiction, has actively backed tougher gambling regulation.
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