Legislators from New Jersey, in the United States, have presented bills that provide for the creation of temporary surcharges during the 2026 World Cup, including a 10% tax on revenue from online sports betting linked to the tournament.
The measure seeks to offset operational costs related to the games that will take place at MetLife Stadium, the venue for eight matches, including the final.
Senator Paul Sarlo presented the project in the Senate, while Representative Michael Venezia filed an equivalent proposal in the Assembly. The package provides for the application of charges between June 12 and July 20, 2026, the official period of the competition in the United States.
What the new tax on bets and services for the World Cup predicts
The proposal includes four types of temporary surcharges. The main one concerns sports betting linked to the World Cup, covering casinos, digital platforms and operators linked to horse racing.
In addition, the project establishes a 2.5% tax on accommodation, an additional charge of 3% on sales in the Meadowlands district and an additional US$0.50 on trips per application in the region. The text also allows residents to request state tax credit for fees paid.
Why the proposal faces political resistance
The initiative generated a reaction among parliamentarians from different parties. Criticism focuses on the temporary increase in taxes and the lack of clarity about the total costs of the event.
Representative Josh Gottheimer criticized the proposal and stated: “communities did not request tax increases.”
State Representative Christopher DePhillips pointed out inconsistency with previous promises and declared: “This measure does exactly the opposite of what was promised.”
Representative Al Barlas also questioned the rule change and said: “Changing the rules of the game after the fact is wrong.”
Debate over costs and transportation increases pressure
The state government defends the plan as a way to avoid direct impact on residents. The administration classifies the charges as a fee aimed at visitors during the event.
Spokesperson Maggie Garbarino, representing Governor Mikie Sherrill, said: “New Jersey residents should not have to bear the costs of hosting the FIFA World Cup.”
The discussion gained strength after the announcement of high prices for public transport. NJ Transit plans to charge up to $150 for train rides between Manhattan and the stadium during the tournament, much higher than the standard fare.
The governor also pointed out that the state assumed relevant transportation costs without financial participation from FIFA. The estimated value reaches US$48 million for fan travel.
Pressure grows with the economic impact of the World Cup
Studies indicate that host cities must face high operating costs. The Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) estimates million-dollar losses in tax revenue due to exemptions related to the event.
Reports also indicate that spending on infrastructure, security and logistics can vary between US$100 million and US$200 million per city. At the same time, FIFA projects to raise around US$11 billion from the tournament.
As the competition approaches, legislators intensify the debate on the balance between revenue, public costs and economic impact. The decision on the proposals is expected to advance in the coming weeks.
