# EU online gambling regulation and taxation debate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-online-gambling-regulation-and-taxation-debate
> Updated: 2026-08-08T11:09:20.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

Discussions regarding the regulation and taxation of online gambling within the European Union have intensified. Austria has submitted a reform proposal to the European Commission to transition its current gambling monopoly into an open licensing system. This reform seeks to introduce centralized bans, deposit limits, and stricter player protection measures while increasing competition and tax revenue.

Simultaneously, the European Commission is considering a new 3% tax on the net turnover of online gambling providers to generate revenue for the EU budget. This proposal has met significant opposition from member states such as Malta, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. These nations express concerns that such a tax could damage their national economies, which rely heavily on the gaming sector, and potentially encourage illegal operators.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: European Union considers 3% online gambling tax amid member state opposition

The EU is considering a 3% tax on online gambling to raise €13 billion over a budget cycle, but Malta, Italy, Portugal, and Spain are opposing the measure due to economic and social concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-considers-3-online-gambling-tax-amid-member-state-opposition

### 2026-08-04: Austria submits gambling reform to EU, aims for open online market

Austria has submitted a draft gambling reform to the EU, proposing open online licences, a central ban register, deposit limits and IP/payment blocking to curb illegal operators and boost tax revenue.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-gambling-reform-spurs-market-expansion-and-new-betting-providers

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Cite as: EU online gambling regulation and taxation debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-online-gambling-regulation-and-taxation-debate