Ireland’s Initial EU 2028-2034 Budget Draft Excludes Proposed 1% Levy on Licensed Online Gambling Revenue
Ireland’s opening draft for the EU 2028-2034 budget drops the proposed 1% pan-EU online gambling tax that was expected to raise €2-4bn yearly for social programmes. Alternative measures on emissions, tobacco and waste are projected to yield €55bn annually instead. The non-binding text leaves room for the levy to return in negotiations.
SCCG Take — Operators and states like Malta gain breathing room, but sustained pressure for new EU revenues means the tax proposal is not yet eliminated. Monitor the unanimous approval process for any late reintroduction.
Ireland’s first draft negotiating document for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget omits the proposed 1 per cent tax on licensed online gambling revenues across the bloc.
The measure, championed by Romanian MEP Victor Negrescu and the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, had been projected to raise between €2bn and €4bn annually. Supporters targeted the funds toward education, mental health, addiction prevention, and youth programmes, with total projections near €14bn over the seven-year cycle.
Instead the draft sets a spending ceiling at €1.62trn in constant 2025 prices, equivalent to roughly €1.85trn at current prices. It includes alternative EU-wide revenue measures on emissions trading, electronic waste, tobacco, and carbon offsetting. These could generate up to €55bn per year according to Focus Gaming News.
The gambling tax proposal drew swift criticism from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and the Maltese government. Malta argued that gambling regulation and taxation remain matters of national competence, citing the sector’s economic role in the country and several other member states.
The document retains the Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE) proposal, under which companies generating more than €100m in annual revenue would make flat-rate contributions aimed at reducing Covid-era debt. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, continue to press for greater EU financial self-sufficiency in the next budget cycle. The current text is non-binding; the final Multiannual Financial Framework requires unanimous member-state approval and European Parliament consent.
Revenue Measures Retained in the Draft
The draft prioritises environmental and consumption taxes projected to deliver the €55bn annual figure. These tools align with existing Union policies on emissions, waste, and tobacco duties while preserving national competence over sectors such as gambling.
Scope for Later Reintroduction
Because the negotiating document is non-binding, the gambling levy backed by sections of the European Parliament could re-emerge before final adoption. Negotiations among the 27 member states remain open on additional revenue sources.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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