Estonia Advisor Dismissed Over Gambling Tax Act Error Plans to Appeal Decision

(AsiaGameHub) –   A veteran adviser to Estonia’s Riigikogu Chancellery, fired due to a clerical mistake in the Gambling Tax Act, plans to appeal her dismissal.

The official, identified by Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) as Piia Schults, stated she is deeply affected by her “terrible” error but views it as her “duty to bring the matter before a court”.

The legislation was approved last December, leading to online casinos being tax-exempt in 2026 as Estonia aims to position itself as an iGaming centre.

The mistake, which has now been corrected, was discovered in January and attributed to Schults.

Estonia’s tax on remote gambling will decrease from 6% to 4% by 2029, then fall by 0.5% each subsequent year, with all revenue directed to culture and sports.

Nevertheless, the error has had significant consequences, with the state expected to forfeit around €4m (£3.45m) in anticipated gambling tax income this year.

However, Schults, who maintained an excellent reputation across more than thirty years of service without prior criticism, is consulting a lawyer to fight the decision.

She informed ERR that she considers the case “fundamentally a question of principles”.

“I must contest this. Maybe it will motivate other colleagues as well,” she remarked.

“You simply cannot treat an individual like this. I will contest this for everyone, with my colleagues and Estonian society in mind.”

“I believe the public has a right to be aware of events in the public sector. We are not isolated units – we all coexist here in small Estonia, visible to each other.”

Chancellery Director Antero Habicht issued a written statement to the national outlet regarding the matter.

“Considering all factors, this action was inevitable and required; continuing a trust-based relationship was no longer feasible,” he stated.

“Given that the official intends to seek legal recourse to protect her rights, we deem it inappropriate to offer further public commentary.

“Formal dismissal procedures are always a final measure. Typically, issues are addressed confidentially and resolved through discussion. We will not comment on any previous errors in this instance.”

Hurdles for Estonia’s iGaming Ambitions

This development is the most recent in a string of incidents concerning Estonia’s gambling sector in recent months.

The nation seeks to become a recognised iGaming hub, as noted, emulating models adopted by jurisdictions such as Malta, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.

By 2029, its remote gambling tax will be lower than Malta’s 5%, which could attract more operators to establish operations there. Yet, this episode reveals ongoing issues with transparency in the process.

When asked about Schults’ firing, Finance Minister and Estonian Reform Party member Jürgen Ligi commented: “It certainly appears unjust. But what is the Reform Party’s connection to this, and why is Isamaa party involved?

“The relevant draft law – the Gambling Tax Act – was not something I endorsed, yet a technical error happened under considerable pressure. Meetings with officials were largely held at the Riigikogu and online.

“A minor deletion mistake happened, resulting in an extra word remaining. However, I do not believe a person should be severely punished for that.”