The amendment to the Gambling Tax Act passed Wednesday with 51 votes in favor and 31 against. Reform Party MP Liina Kersna abstained, while colleagues Aivar Soerd and Signe Kivi did not participate. 

The bill was championed by Tanel Tein, MP, former professional basketball player, and member of the Riigikogu Finance Committee. Tein emphasized that the reform seeks to modernize gambling regulation, increase transparency, and attract international online casino operators to Estonia, ultimately boosting tax revenue.

“We want to bring global accounting to Estonia,” Tein said, noting that physical casinos are unlikely to open in the country, so the focus is on drawing foreign tax revenue instead.

Tein also highlighted that the tax reform advances his campaign pledge to develop a major new arena, stating that “a concrete funding model has been created” under the updated legislation. The Cultural Endowment of Estonia is set to benefit from two new endowments—one aimed at mobilizing private capital and another dedicated to sports infrastructure.

Some Reform Party members had previously voiced criticism. Former finance minister Mart Vorklaev suggested the proposal be delayed or dropped, though he eventually voted in favor. Finance Committee chair Annely Akkermann, who had expressed similar reservations, also supported the bill.

The Ministry of Finance remains cautious, warning that such a significant tax cut could strain the national budget if projected revenues fall short. Estimates indicate that gambling tax receipts could decline by €6 million in 2026, €8 million in 2027, €10 million in 2028, and €13 million in 2029.