Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Evelyn Liivamägi apologized for a mistake in the gambling tax law. The law left online casino games untaxed until 2026. This mistake should not have made it into the law.
Liivamägi said that gambling is a sensitive sector and the state does not wish to exempt it from taxation. She emphasized that the gambling tax should support important societal activities.
Liivamägi apologized on behalf of the ministry and understood the public criticism. She said such mistakes are unacceptable in responsible lawmaking. The Ministry of Finance's goal is to ensure that tax rules are clear and fair.
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that the Riigikogu is responsible for legislative errors. The chairman of the Riigikogu Finance Committee Annely Akkermann said the mistake occurred during the editing of the ministry's proposal. No one noticed the mistake, although the amendments were discussed.
The Estonian Association of Gambling Operators (EHKL) said they are ready to pay the tax. They understood that mistakes happen in legislation, but this does not reflect the legislator's intent. EHKL supports a quick and fair solution.
EHKL members offer remote gambling. These include Betsafe, Coolbet, Olybet and others.