European lawmakers are preparing to discuss a proposed EU-wide gambling levy that could introduce a new tax on betting and gaming operators across all 27 member states.
The proposal, first introduced in February by Romanian MEP Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament and member of the Budget Committee, suggests applying a 1% charge either on gambling revenue or turnover generated within the European Union.
The issue is set to be reviewed during a European Parliament Budget Committee meeting on 27 May, chaired by EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin. While the plan is still at an early stage, it marks the first formal step toward a possible union-wide gambling tax framework.
Supporters within the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group argue that the levy could create a significant new funding stream for EU programmes, including healthcare, education and youth initiatives. Estimates cited by the bloc suggest the measure could generate between €2bn and €4bn annually, potentially rising to €14bn-€28bn over the EU’s seven-year budget cycle.
The proposal comes as Brussels evaluates new revenue sources for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, which is expected to reach around €2trn.
Sandra Gómez López, Co-Negotiator on Own Resources for the EU Budget Committee, said the union requires “sustainable, predictable and resilient revenue streams” to support future spending priorities.
Negrescu defended the idea by pointing to the rapid growth of Europe’s online gambling sector and the increasing cross-border nature of the industry within the EU single market.
He also highlighted concerns over illegal gambling, claiming that unlicensed operators account for roughly 71% of Europe’s online gambling activity. According to him, the black market is contributing to lost public revenues, weaker consumer safeguards and greater risks linked to organised crime and money laundering.
However, the proposal has already drawn criticism from the regulated gambling industry.
The European Gaming and Betting Association has warned that a blanket EU levy could prove difficult to implement. Secretary General Maaten Haijer previously described the concept as “unworkable” and cautioned that excessive taxation may further strengthen black market operators.
Industry groups have repeatedly argued that rising tax pressure in regulated markets can drive players toward offshore platforms offering fewer restrictions and lower operating costs.
Although the proposal remains far from becoming law, the upcoming committee discussion signals that EU institutions are beginning to seriously examine new taxation models for the gambling sector.