A group of Members of the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to explore the possibility of introducing a unified tax on online gambling and betting services.
The aim would be to generate additional funding for key EU priorities such as education and youth initiatives.
The proposal was put forward on 11 March 2026 during discussions surrounding the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework.
It invites the Commission to assess whether the rapidly expanding online gambling sector could serve as a new source of revenue for the bloc.
Online gambling has evolved into one of Europe’s fastest-growing digital sectors, with operators offering services across multiple countries. These platforms benefit from the EU’s single market and shared digital infrastructure.
However, Members of the European Parliament argue that taxation and regulation remain largely fragmented at the national level.
According to supporters of the initiative, this lack of harmonisation can distort competition and complicate efforts to tackle illegal or unlicensed operators across borders.
Among the leading voices behind the initiative is Victor Negrescu, who, alongside MEPs from various political groups, has backed the idea.
The proposal asks whether the online gambling industry could contribute directly to EU funding, particularly for programmes focused on education, digital skills, and youth development.
It also highlights potential investment in mental health and addiction prevention.
Estimates referenced in the document, based on research from the European Parliament, suggest such a tax could generate between €2 billion and €4 billion annually, potentially reaching €28 billion over the next EU budget cycle.
Despite growing interest, introducing an EU-wide tax faces significant institutional challenges. The European Parliament itself does not have the authority to impose new taxes.
Any such measure would require unanimous approval from all Member States within the Council of the European Union, meaning a single country could block the proposal.
Countries with strong online gambling sectors have reacted cautiously, with Malta emerging as one of the most vocal critics.
Several Maltese MEPs have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact. Peter Agius warned that the measure could place additional financial pressure on Malta’s iGaming industry.
Meanwhile, Alex Agius Saliba acknowledged similar concerns, noting the risks such a policy could pose to the country’s economy.
Agius Saliba indicated that, should the proposal move forward, Malta may consider opposing it to protect national interests and its significant gaming sector.
Reports from European media suggest Malta could ultimately use its veto power in the Council to block the tax if it advances.
At this stage, the proposal remains in its early phases and has not yet progressed into formal legislation. However, its emergence reflects increasing political focus on the online gambling sector within Europe.
The discussion forms part of a broader debate about how the EU should regulate digital industries and secure funding for future policy priorities. If the proposal gains traction, it is likely to spark extensive negotiations between governments, regulators, and gambling operators across the region.
This article was originally published in Italian on 13 March 2026.