Estonia Reviews Further Online Casino Tax Cuts
Estonia’s government will review further cuts to the online casino tax during talks on the 2027 state budget. The decision follows lower than expected gambling tax revenue since the policy took effect earlier this year.
The Riigikogu approved a staged reduction from 6% to 4% over two years. The aim was to attract foreign online casino operators and increase state revenue.
However, ERR reported in June that no new operators had entered the Estonian market under the new policy. Two licence applications were still being reviewed, while another operator had withdrawn its application.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said:
Certainly this debate will happen. The first clear principle I stated is that culture must not lose out.
The Ministry of Finance previously warned that the tax reduction could lower gambling tax revenue by €6 million in 2026. The estimated annual shortfall could rise to €13 million by 2029.
The government expects to receive clearer revenue figures in the coming weeks. Michal said there would be no reason to continue lowering the tax if the measure does not bring additional income.
