Gambling levies will rise

The Tourism Ministry rejected a steep rise in gambling levies, arguing it would damage the state lottery company Tipos and drive players to illegal casinos. It proposed an increase of up to one percentage point to 28%. Currently, gambling operators send 27% of their proceeds to the state budget and 3% to municipal budgets. Last year's revenue totaled €347m. The ministry also proposed allowing Tipos to operate state casinos and self-service terminals for number lotteries. It wants to begin blocking illegal online casinos, which cost the state €320m in lost gambling tax revenue.

Media speculate that the 2026 consolidation package will include higher gambling taxes, either through increased levies or taxation of winnings.

(stvr.sk, pravda.sk, sita.sk)