Polish Gambling Trade Bodies Reject Proposed EU-Wide Gambling Tax

Four Polish gambling trade organisations have issued a joint statement opposing a proposal for an EU-wide tax on the licensed online gambling sector.

Who's Behind The Statement

The position was co-signed by the Polish Chamber of Commerce of the Entertainment and Bookmaking Industry, the "Bukmacherzy Razem" Association, the "Play Legally" Association, and the Association of Employers of the Entertainment and Gaming Industry.

The Proposal On The Table

The proposal was first put forward at the start of 2026 by Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, who is seeking a 1% blanket tax on the licensed online gambling sector across Europe as an additional revenue stream for the EU's 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. 

Malta and the European Gaming and Betting Association have already voiced opposition to the proposal.

Why Polish Operators Are Pushing Back

The Polish organisations said they do not dispute the right of the EU or its member states to shape fiscal policy, but argued the measure would burden the sector financially and infringe on fair competition, while leaving individual member states to tackle illegal gambling operators alone. 

They noted that licensed operators in Poland already pay a 12% tax on turnover, which can consume more than half of an operator's gross gaming and online casino revenue.

"It cannot be accepted that the European Union harmonises the tax burden, while leaving the Member States with very different regulatory models, tax levels and market access conditions, leaving them alone in the fight against gambling crime," the statement read. 

The groups urged that any EU-wide tax be paired with uniform rules protecting licensed operators from unregulated competition.