Moldova could introduce higher gambling taxes under its 2027 Fiscal Policy plan, with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan highlighting both fiscal and social objectives behind the proposed measures. The proposal will be subject to public consultations.
The Prime Minister noted that Moldovans spend around MDL 10bn ($576m) annually on gambling activities. In this context, Tofan called on relevant institutions to establish clearer regulation of the sector.
However, he acknowledged the potential negative consequences of placing excessive taxes on the legal gambling sector. Commenting on the issue, he stated: "I understand that if we charge them too much, these players will go to illegal platforms that we don't control.’’
Alongside gambling, the government is also considering higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. He also announced plans to increase the corporate tax rate for banks and financial institutions from 12% to 18%.
In line with the Prime Minister’s comments, over-taxing legal operators has indeed often backfired in other countries. The most recent example comes from the Netherlands, where a tax increase delivered only a fraction of the expected revenue gains.
Dutch industry associations had previously warned that higher gambling taxes could reduce activity in the legal market and ultimately lower government revenues despite increased tax rates. Meanwhile, according to the Dutch regulator’s June warning, channelisation by gross gaming revenue has fallen to 53% amid continued illegal market activity.
Moldova recently published a list of around 800 unauthorised gambling websites and applications scheduled for blocking
