A typo inadvertently exempted online casino gaming from a new tax rate for gambling in Estonia.
Lawmakers are getting ready to correct accidental elimination of online casino tax in Estonia. With the revised wording scheduled to take effect on March 1 of the current year, the parliament of the country will voce on an amendment to the Gambling Tax Act that would restore the intended 5.5 per cent levy on remote gambling.
MP Tanel Tein introduced the proposal to fix language adopted in late 2025. The original wording had unintentionally exempted online casino platforms from tax. A clause in the past legislation stated that the 5.5 per cent tax rate applies only to skill games. Section 1, Subsection 1, Clause 5 of the law defines these games.
Although the text for subsequent years correctly included games of chance, lawmakers accidentally omitted them from the provisions for 2026.
Cutting the rate by half a percentge point yearly, the intention was to gradually lower gambling tax from the past 6 per cent to 4 per cent by 2028.
Identified in January, the drafting mistake had made uncertainty for operators, the government, as well as sports bodies. Industry groups, including Yolo Group and the gambling operators’ association, indicated they are willing to continue paying. However, the Finance Ministry stated that voluntary contributions cannot legally count as tax payments without an established legal framework.
Analysts forecast that Estonia’s remote gambling tax will generate around €27 million in 2026. Tein acknowledged the mistake in the original legislation and said the amendment will quickly close the gap.
By the end of the month, lawmakers expect the measure to pass. The government stated that the implementation of corrected wording with a March start date will align with monthly tax cycles, helping to avoid disruption.
