The European Parliament on 20 May 2026 debated a proposal for a new EU own resource from online gambling and betting services, with S&D MEP Victor Negrescu arguing the levy could raise €2-4 billion annually and help finance youth mental health and addiction prevention. Commissioner Piotr Serafin confirmed the Commission is finalising an assessment of Parliament's suggested options, including a gambling levy, but stressed the need for adequate revenue, minimal economic distortion, quick implementation by 2028, and a basket approach.
Proponents and opponents stake out positions
Negrescu, who initiated the proposal, argued the levy (around 1% on turnover) would target illegal platforms, which he said account for 71% of the market, and would not affect national regulations. EPP MEP Danuše Nerudová supported exploring a gambling tax alongside digital and crypto levies as alternatives if other proposals fail. Renew MEP Stine Bosse backed own resources but noted national finance ministers decide. Greens-EFA MEP Rasmus Andresen supported taxing cross-border gambling. The Left MEP Jussi Saramo saw EU-level taxation as logical due to company concentration in low-regulation states.
Opponents push back on sovereignty and competitiveness grounds
ECR MEP Ruggero Razza welcomed the debate but questioned why the Commission dropped taxes on big companies. Patriots for Europe MEP Julien Sanchez opposed the levy as an attack on national sovereignty. ECR MEP Dick Erixon rejected new taxes, arguing they harm competitiveness. PfE MEP Alexander Jungbluth cited subsidiarity. The Left MEP João Oliveira warned it could undermine redistribution, as Portugal already taxes gambling at 25%. EPP MEP David Casa strongly opposed, calling it a non-starter for Malta (where the sector is 10% of GDP) and threatening a veto.
Negrescu countered that Malta loses revenue from illegal platforms and that the levy does not affect national regulations. The debate highlighted a split between proponents (S&D, Greens-EFA, some EPP and Renew) who see it as fair and necessary, and opponents (PfE, ECR, some EPP) who view it as a sovereignty infringement or harmful to competitiveness.
Next steps and stakeholder impact
The Commission will share its assessment soon; the Parliament will vote on the interim report. If adopted, the levy would create a new EU revenue stream, potentially reducing member state contributions, but could increase compliance costs for gambling operators and reduce profits, especially in Malta where the sector is a major economic contributor. Consumers might face higher prices or reduced services if operators pass on costs. National treasuries in countries with existing gambling taxes (e.g., Portugal at 25%) could see reduced fiscal space if EU levy takes precedence or is not offset.