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Ireland Excludes EU-Wide Online Gambling Levy from 2028-2034 Budget Proposal: Key Implications

By jili tutorial · October 13, 2026

Ireland Excludes EU-Wide Online Gambling Levy from 2028-2034 Budget Proposal: Key Implications

Overview of Ireland’s EU Budget Draft Proposal

On October 10, 2026, Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union circulated a crucial negotiating document outlining the framework for the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Notably absent from this proposal was a previously discussed EU-wide online gambling levy, despite its inclusion in earlier discussions about new revenue streams.

The draft budget caps total spending commitments at €1.62 trillion (in 2025 prices), representing an 8% reduction (€141 billion) from the European Commission’s initial proposal. When adjusted to current prices, this translates to approximately €1.83 trillion over the seven-year period.

The Proposed New Revenue Sources

Ireland’s draft budget outlines five potential “own resources” - direct contributions to the EU budget:

1. Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE)

2. Tobacco Tax

3. Electronic Waste Fee

4. EU Emissions Trading System (ETS 1)

5. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

According to the Irish Presidency, this package could generate approximately €55 billion annually. However, all five proposals remain tentative—indicated by square brackets in the document—and subject to further negotiations.

Why the Online Gambling Levy Was Omitted

Controversial Origins of the Proposal

The online gambling levy concept originated from the European Parliament’s Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in May 2026. Their proposal suggested:

Disputed Revenue Projections

The European Commission later modeled a 3% levy that would allegedly generate:

However, industry experts like Ed Birkin of H2 Gambling Capital challenged these estimates:

Key obstacles to implementing an EU gambling levy include:

  1. Unanimity Requirement: All member states must approve new revenue mechanisms
  2. Legal Challenges: Gambling isn’t harmonized at EU level (EGBA argument)
  3. Political Opposition: Countries like Malta firmly oppose EU-level taxation
  4. Channelization Concerns: Potential negative impact on legal market participation

Key Stakeholder Reactions

Member State Divisions

Industry Opposition

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) called the levy “fundamentally unworkable,” citing:

What Comes Next?

The negotiating box serves as a starting point for discussions at the European Council meeting on October 15-16, 2026. Key considerations moving forward include:

The absence of the gambling levy from Ireland’s draft suggests the proposal faces substantial political and practical challenges, despite its potential revenue benefits. Its future likely depends on whether proponents can address concerns about implementation practicality, revenue projections, and member state sovereignty.