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Online Gambling Regulations in Europe

The European online gambling market is one of the most lucrative and dynamic in the world, attracting millions of players and hundreds of licensed operators. However, unlike other industries that follow uniform regulations across the European Union (EU), gambling laws differ significantly from one country to another. Each nation has the autonomy to establish its own rules, licensing procedures, and player protection measures, making the regulatory landscape both diverse and complex.
Alt text: Man playing with poker chips and cards.
For players and operators alike, understanding these legal frameworks is essential to ensuring compliance and a safe gaming experience. Whether youâre a casual player looking for licensed platforms or an investor exploring the market, knowing the ins and outs of European gambling laws is key. Thatâs why many prefer to play at EU casinos that adhere to strict national and international regulations, ensuring fair play and security.
The European Union’s Stance on Online Gambling
The European Union (EU) does not impose a standardized regulatory system for online gambling across its member states. Instead, each country retains the autonomy to craft and enforce its own laws governing gambling activities. This approach acknowledges the principle of subsidiarity, allowing nations to regulate gambling in a manner that aligns with their societal values and public policy objectives. Consequently, the legal status and regulatory requirements for online gambling vary significantly across the EU.
Country-Specific Regulatory Frameworks
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom maintains a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gambling, primarily governed by the Gambling Act 2005 and overseen by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). In April 2023, the government published a white paper titled “High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age,” outlining significant reforms to modernize gambling regulations. One key proposal is the introduction of a statutory levy on all licensed gambling operators, set to commence in April 2025. This levy aims to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms, with rates varying depending on the sector and nature of the gambling activity.
Germany
Germany’s online gambling landscape has undergone significant changes with the enactment of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) 2021. This treaty permits the federal licensing of sports betting, virtual slot machines, and online poker. Notably, online slot stakes are capped at âŹ1 per spin to promote responsible gambling. The regulation of traditional online casino games, such as roulette and blackjack, is delegated to individual states, resulting in varied rules and licensing requirements across the country. The Joint Gambling Authority (GGL) serves as the central regulatory body, ensuring compliance and overseeing licensed operators.
France
In France, the online gambling market is regulated by the National Gaming Authority (AutoritĂŠ Nationale des Jeux – ANJ), established under the French Gambling Act 2010. The legislation permits online betting on sports, horse racing, and poker, while online casino games like slots and roulette remain prohibited. Operators must secure a license from the ANJ and comply with strict regulations to protect consumers and uphold gaming integrity.
Spain
Spain’s online gambling activities are governed by the Spanish Gambling Act, with oversight provided by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DirecciĂłn General de OrdenaciĂłn del Juego – DGOJ). The act legalizes various forms of online gambling, including sports betting, poker, and casino games. Licensed operators are required to implement measures promoting responsible gambling and ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Italy
Italy has embraced a regulated online gambling market, with the Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS) responsible for licensing and supervision. The regulatory framework permits a broad spectrum of online gambling activities, including poker, casino games, and sports betting. Operators must adhere to the provisions of the Finance Act, which has been amended over time to accommodate the evolving gambling landscape.
Netherlands
The Netherlands introduced the Remote Gambling Act to regulate online gambling, with the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit – KSA) serving as the regulatory body. The act allows operators to obtain licenses to offer online sports betting, casino games, and poker to Dutch residents. The KSA enforces strict guidelines to ensure player protection, game fairness, and the prevention of gambling addiction.
Malta
Malta stands out as a hub for online gambling operators, largely due to its comprehensive regulatory framework and favorable business environment. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), established under the Gaming Act 2018, licenses and regulates a wide array of online gambling activities. The MGA has taken decisive actions, including revoking licenses of non-compliant operators to uphold the integrity of the gaming industry.
Ireland
Ireland’s approach to online gambling regulation has been evolving, with the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act in October 2024 marking a significant milestone. This legislation led to the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), tasked with overseeing both online and land-based gambling activities. The GRAI aims to establish a robust regulatory environment that safeguards players and ensures fair play across all gambling platforms.
Common Regulatory Themes Across Europe
Despite the diversity in regulatory approaches, several common themes emerge across European countries:
- Licensing Requirements: Operators are generally required to obtain a license from the relevant national authority to offer gambling services legally. This process involves rigorous vetting to ensure the operator’s suitability and commitment to maintaining industry standards.
- Player Protection Measures: Regulations often mandate the implementation of measures to protect players from gambling-related harm. This includes self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and access to support services for problem gambling.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: Operators must adhere to strict AML protocols to prevent the misuse of gambling platforms for illicit financial activities. This involves customer verification processes and the monitoring of transactions for suspicious activity.
- Advertising and Promotion Controls: Many jurisdictions impose restrictions on the advertising of gambling services to prevent targeting vulnerable populations and to promote responsible marketing practices.
The Role of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) advocates for a well-regulated and competitive online gambling market in the EU. Representing top operators, it works with national and EU authorities to align regulations and encourage industry best practices. The EGBA prioritizes consumer protection, responsible gambling, and maintaining integrity in gaming operations.
The Future of Online Gambling Regulation in Europe
The European online gambling industry is constantly evolving, with regulatory changes being introduced regularly. Some trends shaping the future include:
Tighter Responsible Gambling Controls: More countries are adopting affordability checks and restrictions on VIP programs.
Cross-Border Licensing Discussions: The EU may push for more harmonization of gambling laws, though this remains a challenge.
New Technologies: AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency gambling may introduce new regulatory challenges in the coming years.
As European gambling laws continue to shift, both players and operators need to stay informed. Playing at licensed platforms and understanding national regulations is the best way to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.
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UNLV International Gaming Institute Launches AI Research Hub

The UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) has launched its AI Research Hub (AiR Hub), a significant step toward advancing research and understanding on the impacts, risks, and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) within the gambling industry.
Co-founded by Kasra Ghaharian, IGI Director of Research, and Simo Dragicevic, an industry and research veteran who now serves as an Adjunct Fellow at the Hub, the initiative will develop an ecosystem for collaborative AI research and accelerate the adoption of trusted and responsible AI.
Key initiatives underway focus on critical areas, including the forthcoming State of AI in Gaming report. This annual deep dive will be a first of its kind for the sector, surveying current and future use cases and indexing companies on their AI maturity. Other initiatives include thought leadership and practical tools for operators and regulators to promote responsible AI oversight and governance, and developing benchmarking solutions for critical AI systems within the sector.
âUNLVâs International Gaming Institute has a long history of pioneering research in the gaming sector, and we are excited to launch AiR Hub as the next step in that journey. Our vision is to create tangible progress through collaborative, actionable research with engagement across a range of stakeholders, including regulators, academics, non-profit organizations, and industry,â Ghaharian said.
AiR Hub is supported by a prestigious group of founding industry members. Representatives from Action Gaming, Axes.ai, Evoke Plc, Gaming Analytics, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Playtech Plc, ROGA (Responsible Online Gaming Association), and Walker Digital Table Systems will serve on AiR Hubâs industry advisory panel.
âWe are grateful for not only the financial support offered by our founding members, but also the expert knowledge they bring in regard to technology, data, and wider gambling business and player support practices. We operate in a highly complex and integrated industry that is evolving quickly, and this knowledge and experience will be essential to fully understanding the risks and capitalizing on the potential of AI within the industry,â Dragicevic said.
The founding member round will remain open to organizations for an additional six months.
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Evolution Debuts US Launch of Red Door Roulette

Evolution announced the US launch of Red Door Roulette, the ultimate online live game show mash-up that combines the award-winning Lightning Roulette and the exhilarating bonus game from the worldâs most popular live game show, Crazy Time.
Red Door Roulette was previously launched globally in 2023 and is set to hit the market first in New Jersey and Delaware, with other states soon to follow.
The fusion of these two popular live game shows elevates the gameplay to new heights with multiple diverse game rounds. In the introductory slot round, players can acquire up to 15 bonus numbers with keys with the hopes of entering the iconic Crazy Time bonus game, where the gigantic virtual wheel awaits with guaranteed multiplier rewards.
The anticipated US launch is a welcome addition to Evolutionâs game show portfolio in North America and is another step in supporting the companyâs growth strategy for live online casino gaming.
Jacob Claesson, Chief Executive Officer Evolution North America, said: âWe are incredibly excited to officially launch Red Door Roulette in the US. Our game shows are an excellent introduction for new players to live dealer gaming, and following the gameâs success internationally, we look forward to seeing how players in New Jersey and Delaware embrace this unique game. This is just the first phase of our tremendous live game roadmap for 2025, with a wide variety of new games coming soon to all regulated states.â
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Fanatics Sportsbook Partners with New York Racing Team

New York Racing Team announced a partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook to become the primary sponsor of the teamâs No. 44 Chevrolet, driven by star driver J.J. Yeley for two of the NASCAR Cup Seriesâ most prestigious races – the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway and the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.
The Fanatics Sportsbook No. 44 Chevrolet will take to the track – first in Music City on Sunday, June 1 and next in The Valley on Sunday, November 2 – decked in the companyâs signature Lava Red and Black paint scheme and adorned with the Fanatics Sportsbook logo on the hood and sides of the car. Itâs only fitting that Fanatics Sportsbook will grace the car for the first time in Tennessee, as the state was the first to experience the sportsbook upon its launch in 2023.
In celebration of this partnership, Fanatics Sportsbook will have exclusive new customer offers for the Nashville and Phoenix races, along with expanded NASCAR betting capabilities, such as race parlays, to finish on the podium, exacta and trifecta betting. Fanatics Sportsbook will also offer unique JJ Yeley specials and live betting markets on Raceday.
According to Fanatics Sportsbook, Yeley is +800 to have a Top 10 Finish at Nashville Superspeedway and customers will also be able to place wagers on J.J. Yeleyâs Starting Grid Position, Chevrolet-specific placement, first lap results, and much more. NASCAR fans can download the Fanatics Sportsbook app on iOS and Android and begin their Fanatics betting experience.
âWe are proud to partner with John Cohen and the New York Racing Team. The partnership with New York Racing Team is an incredible branding opportunity and an inflection point for us as we continue to build the fastest growing sportsbook in America. We are going to develop exclusive content for NASCAR fans and curate an elevated experience for our customers at each race that only a brand like Fanatics can offer. Our employees and customers canât wait to cheer on the No. 44 Fanatics Sportsbook Chevrolet toward the checkered flag at Nashville Superspeedway and Phoenix Raceway,â said Selena Kalvaria, CMO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
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