Eesti 200 MP: Casino tax cut needs time, over-regulation is the real issue
MP Tanel Tein argues that over-regulation, rather than tax cuts, is causing declining online casino tax revenues.Summary
Eesti 200 MP Tanel Tein defended the recent decision to lower online casino tax rates from 6 percent to 4 percent, arguing that the current decline in tax revenue is a result of over-regulation rather than the lower tax rate itself. Tein contends that the goal of the tax cut is to expand the tax base by attracting more international operators to Estonia, noting that previous tax hikes had previously stifled growth.
While the Ministry of Finance and the Cultural Endowment have warned of significant revenue shortfalls, Tein dismissed these concerns as short-sighted, noting that the tax strategy is designed over a four-year period. He emphasized that the government should focus on competitiveness and market participation rather than relying on high rates that drive operators away. The Prime Minister has indicated that the government may revisit the tax cut if it fails to generate the expected revenue.
(Source：Err)