Gambling legislation in Western Europe

Western Europe, a country of strict regulations and high taxes, has nevertheless managed to attract iGaming operators with the promise of untold wealth: the region alone accounts for almost half the size of the online world. In this article, we provide an overview of online gambling in Europe.

Prompted by the need to improve revenues and control the impact of new technologies, most governments in the region have legalized and regulated online gambling by putting in place local licensing schemes.

This process has allowed private operators to enter some of the richest markets in the world, replacing the existing public monopoly model of gambling.

We present the breakdown of markets in the region, from promising countries like the UK and Italy to smaller gambling jurisdictions like Malta.

Size of the European gambling market

In recent decades, Western Europe has become the epicenter of iGaming.

Revenues generated from online gambling in Western Europe are expected to reach $31. 28 billion in 2024, and are expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 4. 25% between 2024 and 2029.

The European gambling market is the richest and most active in the world, but it is also the oldest and the one with the most stable and sophisticated regulations in the world. European gambling regulations have become an example for the world, but that doesn't mean they are perfect. They have not always been successful in fighting the black market and have been criticized.

Below is a detailed breakdown of regulations in the European online casino and betting market.

To learn more about gambling in Europe, and other gambling and betting markets around the world, check out our interactive map of gambling regulations. Simply select a country and click to find out if online and offline sports betting and casino games are legal, unregulated or prohibited.

The United Kingdom

The UK gambling industry is nothing short of gigantic, with nearly 100, 000 people employed in the sector and a total gaming receipts (GGY) of over £14 billion per year. The UK gambling industry's total GGY from April 2022 to March 2023 reached £15. 1 billion, of which £6. 5 billion came from the remote casino, betting and bingo sector.

Gambling can be considered as part of British culture, and almost half of the adult population gamble every month. Sportsbetting is very popular, and horse racing betting has declined, but plays an important role in the local gambling scene.

The British gambling industry was regulated by the 2005 gambling method, and the management of both landbases and electronic facilities is granted by acquiring licenses issued by local regulatory organizations. 。 The annual license fee for online casinos is calculated based on the operator GGY, exceeding 500, 000 pounds for odds that exceed tens of pounds to 1 billion pounds. The license acquirer must pay 21 % of GGY from British customers as taxes.

With the advancement of technology since the introduction of the Gambling Law, the British government began reviewing existing regulations in late 2020. Along with this, the operator is likely to have to perform more strict confirmation and affordability checks.

Germany

Sophisticated laws and extensive bureaucratic countries have similar detailed gaming regulations. The introduced laws were strict and banned all gambling on the Internet. This was established in 2021 the International Gaming Treaty, and a new regulation system was introduced in both domestic gambling and betting.

Not only German operators, but also the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV), the new regulations aimed at opening the domestic gambling market are greatly restricted in business activities, and German law is the most restrictive. I claim. Germany, which has a population of more than the UK, has a small gambling income in 2023, only 4. 8 billion euros, compared to the UK's € 1205 billion.

The upper limit of the slot is 1 euro, the deposit limit is 1. 000 euros per month, the mandatory coolin g-off is mandatory, the prohibition of a famous athlete's betting advertisement, the limited list of sports provided by businesses (exclusion list such as esports). There are many regulations.

Critics argued that strict regulations will be used to unable to platforms and offshore online casinos. < SPAN> gambling can be considered as part of the British culture, and almost half of the adult population gamble every month. Sportsbetting is very popular, and horse racing betting has declined, but plays an important role in the local gambling scene.

Austria

The British gambling industry was regulated by the 2005 gambling method, and the management of both landbases and electronic facilities is granted by acquiring licenses issued by local regulatory organizations. 。 The annual license fee for online casinos is calculated based on the operator GGY, exceeding 500, 000 pounds for odds that exceed tens of pounds to 1 billion pounds. The license acquirer must pay 21 % of GGY from British customers as taxes.

With the advancement of technology since the introduction of the Gambling Law, the British government began reviewing existing regulations in late 2020. Along with this, the operator is likely to have to perform more strict confirmation and affordability checks.

Sophisticated laws and extensive bureaucratic countries have similar detailed gaming regulations. The introduced laws were strict and banned all gambling on the Internet. This was established in 2021 the International Gaming Treaty, and a new regulation system was introduced in both domestic gambling and betting.

Not only German operators, but also the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV), the new regulations aimed at opening the domestic gambling market are greatly restricted in business activities, and German law is the most restrictive. I claim. Germany, which has a population of more than the UK, has a small gambling income in 2023, only 4. 8 billion euros, compared to the UK's € 1205 billion.

Switzerland

The upper limit of the slot is 1 euro, the deposit limit is 1. 000 euros per month, the mandatory coolin g-off is mandatory, the prohibition of a famous athlete's betting advertisement, the limited list of sports provided by businesses (exclusion list such as esports). There are many regulations.

Critics argued that strict regulations will be used to unable to platforms and offshore online casinos. Gambling can be considered as part of British culture, and almost half of the adult population gamble every month. Sportsbetting is very popular, and horse racing betting has declined, but plays an important role in the local gambling scene.

The British gambling industry was regulated by the 2005 gambling method, and the management of both landbases and electronic facilities is granted by acquiring licenses issued by local regulatory organizations. 。 Online casino annual license fees are calculated based on the operator GGY, exceeding 500, 000 pounds for odds that exceed tens of pounds to 1 billion pounds. The license acquirer must pay 21 % of GGY from British customers as taxes.

With the advancement of technology since the introduction of the Gambling Law, the British government began reviewing existing regulations in late 2020. Along with this, the operator is likely to have to perform more strict confirmation and affordability checks.

Sophisticated laws and extensive bureaucratic countries have similar detailed gaming regulations. The introduced laws were strict and banned all gambling on the Internet. This was established in 2021 the International Gaming Treaty, and a new regulation system was introduced in both domestic gambling and betting.

Ireland

Not only German operators, but also the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV), the new regulations aimed at opening the domestic gambling market are greatly restricted in business activities, and German law is the most restrictive. I claim. Germany, which has a population of more than the UK, has a small gambling income in 2023, only 4. 8 billion euros, compared to the UK's € 1205 billion.

The upper limit of the slot is 1 euro, the deposit limit is 1. 000 euros per month, the mandatory coolin g-off is mandatory, the prohibition of a famous athlete's betting advertisement, the limited list of sports provided by businesses (exclusion list such as esports). There are many regulations.

Critics argue that strict regulations will be used to the unfavorable platform and offshore online casinos.

Austria's gambling is regulated by the Chance Game Law (GSPG) and the Ministry of Finance, which is in charge of approved companies. The profit from the online gambling market is expected to reach $ 683 million in 2024, but the industry is monopolized.

However, there are exceptions. Specific bets, lo w-cost chance games, skill games, etc. are regulated by the Austrian Federal State at the local level.

The Netherlands

International online gambling platforms cannot be advertised in Austria or target local players.

ÖSterreichische LotterieN GMBH has been approved to provide Lotto, Toto, target betting, rotors rotary, scratch, and online rotary using the Internet and video box terminals. CASINO Austria AG runs 12 casinos in Austria and offers various table games and slot machines.

The Swiss gambling market is expected to reach $ 176 billion in 2029. In 2023, Landbase Casino GGR was 62. 3 billion Swiss franc ($ 68. 1 billion, $ 200 million), 1 or 1 % lower than 2022. Online casino GGRs have grown 14, 3 % yea r-o n-year, 28. 6 billion in 2023.

In 1993, Swiss citizens voted for gambling, and then in 2019, the Gambling Act was enforced, and two types of license gambling were introduced. B licensed holders only accept beds up to 25 francs in slot machines, and may require tax payments to GGR from the located, but these restrictions do not apply to license.

Belgium

Some of the tax revenues due to gambling are used for ol d-age, survivor, and disability insurance. Swiss casinos have contributed a total of 8 billion Swiss franc tax over the past 20 years, of which 6250 billion Swiss francs have belonged to OASI and 105. 6 billion License with Type B license.

The number of licenses given by the Federal Congress and the Swiss Federal Gaming Committee for 20 years is limited. The current license expired at the end of 2024, and the following concession holder was selected in the competition accepted from June 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022. The new license decision was made on April 27, 2022, with 23 Zodians and 23 licenses (both type A and B) from January 1, 2025 to the end of 2044. Huh.

All Swiss casinos are members of the Swiss Casino Association.

Ireland is also a European online gambling market that should be considered in the future. Like neighboring Britain, Sportsbetting and Horse Racing have a long history in Ireland, attracting many players.

While there are areas that are clearly restricted, such as lottery and sports betting, there are many fields where unclear and conflicting laws are applied. For example, commercial physical casinos are prohibited, but the s o-called "private member's club" has been created in the country thanks to the loose holes. These clubs are basically small casinos, and customers need to register as members (free).

The lon g-awaited gambling regulation bill (Gambling Regulation Bill 2022) is the old gambling and lottery method (Gambling Regulation Bill 2022) with the old gambling and lottery method (Gambling Act 1931). Irish ・ Gambling regulation authorities (údarás rialála Cearrbhachais Na Héireann) have been introduced. The establishment of this authorities was more than 2 million euros, but as of June 2024, which wrote this article, the Irish gambling regulatory authorities have not yet been operated and the bill has not yet entered into effect. yeah.

Luxembourg

What we know at this time is that the bill regulates both online and lan d-based gambling, betting, and lotteries (excluding state lotteries), and protecting minors, preventing problem gambling, advertising rules, and other related matters. The principle is to determine.

Regarding online gambling, many businesses are to apply for a license to obtain a gambling license in Ireland, acquire a license in a clearer regulation framework and to provide services to residents on emeralds. The person has selected. Thanks to Ireland's attractive corporate tax rate, if new regulations are introduced, all of these situations may change.

The Dutch Gambling Agency (KANSSPELAUTORITEIT), which was established in April 2012, manages gaming machines, betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries, but online gambling in April 2021 (Wet Kanspelen OP AFSTAND, It was legalized for the first time after KOA). The law defined Internet gambling, introduced a license system, and defined safe gambling means.

In 2023, verification of players' income certificates will be mandatory if the deposit exceeds 700 euros per month (for those aged 25 and over) and 300 euros per month (for those aged 18 to 24), completing the legal process.

France

In May 2024, a coalition of seven political parties proposed to increase the Dutch gambling tax from 30. 5% to 37. 8%, which was not welcomed by the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA). The association expressed strong concerns about the competitiveness of the legal gambling market compared to the informal sector and the associated risks to player safety.

Revenues from the online gambling market are expected to reach $119 billion in 2024.

Gambling in Belgium is regulated by the Gambling Act, enacted in 1999. This was amended in 2011 to respond to the rise of Internet gambling.

The Belgian Gambling Commission operates a closed licensing system. Numerous licenses are available for casinos and betting operators. Online operating licenses can usually only be obtained if the operator already has a license from a land-based establishment in the country.

Such restrictions make the entry of new operators extremely difficult, especially for foreign companies. The Gaming Commission can only grant licenses to online operators working in partnership with land-based establishments, but currently all nine licenses to operate online casinos have been obtained.

However, only a few licenses are available for gambling operators.

Monaco

This may be an option worth considering for investment: Revenues from the online gambling market are expected to reach $914 million in 2024 and $1. 1 billion in 2029, and an attractive ggr tax rate of 11% applies to businesses in this sector.

From June 1 in Belgium, gambling operators will not be able to offer services to players under the age of 21. From June 1 in Belgium, gambling operators will not be able to offer services to players under the age of 21. Sponsorship of sports teams will then be illegal.

Andorra

Luxembourg has a small but wealthy population, with the third highest GGR per capita in the EU, making it an attractive country for iGaming operators. However, launching an online gambling business in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is not feasible due to existing regulations.

While the gambling method enacted in 1977 strictly regulates land gambling, online gambling is rarely regulated. The number of licenses available to the actual store type casinos is officially unlimited, but Casino 2000 Montdorf is virtually monopolized. Similarly, in the 2009 gambling method, only LOTERIE NATIONALE (operated by a local stat e-owned lottery, a no n-profit organization under government supervision) can legally provide gambling services.

Each organization in Luxembourg considers these two monopolies as a means to satisfy the desire to gamble in a managed environment, and maintains strict regulations on protecting and advertising in order to complement this system. I am.

Spain

However, even if an Igaming license cannot be obtained in Japan, it is known that local authorities are accepting operators to provide services to the Grand Duchy.

France has the most comprehensive gambling regulations in Europe. Autorité National des Jeux (ANJ), a jurisdiction authorities, began operating in June 2020 on behalf of the predecessor ARJEL.

Casino and gambling are only allowed in approved lan d-based facilities, except for poker, and can be provided by online operators.

There are two monopoly companies, Francise de Jews (FDJ) and Paris Mutuel Urban (PMU). The FDJ has the monopoly of land sports betting and all lotteries. PMU manages the sports betting market.

Sports betting and horse racing betting can be licensed only in the competition selected by ANJ and FDJ.

Taxation for online sports betting is heavy: when combined with the contribution, businesses must contribute a tremendous amount of 54. 9%of GGR. Online horse racing betting has a different tax treatment, and the contributions are 13, 8%of the GGR.

Portugal

However, the Gambling market in France exceeds the tax rate. Almost half of the population is gambling in a country with a population of 67 million, the GGR in 2023 is 13. 4 billion euros (up 3. 5 % from 2022), and France is one of the largest markets for online operators. be.

When the Glimardi family was on the verge of bankruptcy in the mi d-1800s, Princess Caroline came up with a casino as a Finance of the Ministry of Finance. After that, Monaco became the world's most wealthy seaside resort, and the casino became the largest source of income for the royal family.

Strangely, local people, who have only on e-fifth of the public population, are forbidden to play at casinos. The market is open to foreign operators because online gambling is not restricted at all and has no license processes.

Thanks to the ski resort, the small Public Principality in the Pyrenees has become a tourist mecca. Naturally, land gambling regulations have been on the agenda for many years.

The Andran government was allowed to apply for a license to open a real stor e-type casino in 2018, but has not yet been awarded any license.

Online gambling, on the other hand, has not been regulated and has not been a public discussion.

The first quarter GGR, which increased 15. 1 % yea r-o n-year, 350. 7 million euros ($ 381. 6 million), the Spanish distributed gaming market, which is one of the largest in Europe, has brought the history of the past century. It is a unique result. Gambling had been no n-crime by the Imperial Ordinance until 1977, the transition to democracy. Under the constitution in the 1978, gambling regulations are not a dedicated state of the nation, so 17 local governments can set their own regulations and license systems.

Italy

In terms of the Spanish online gambling market, the operation of the federa l-level online gambling business requires a license issued by Director General Direción de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). On the other hand, online businesses on land and online businesses limited to specific municipalities require a license issued by related local governments.

At the domestic level, gambling is regulated by law 13/2011. Operators need to obtain individual licenses for each gambling category that we want to provide and for each type of game in the category. The license fee is from about 45, 000 euros for registration and management fees to 10, 000 euros for each gambling category provided.

In July 2018, taxation for this field was revised to reduce the overall burden of business operators and build a unified system. The tax rate is currently 20 % of GGR, except for Suea and Merrill a-based businesses.

In 2020, advertising regulations were strengthened to protect minors, and advertisements on television, radio and YouTube were only available from 1 am to 5 am. Bonus ads have been banned. From 2021, celebrities will not be able to be appointed for gambling and betting ads, and sponsorship will be illegal. From 2022, companies have become unable to mention economic stability, social status, physical and mental health in advertising, suggesting that they invite their families and friends to play. You can't show it.

But ultimately, the claims of the Spanish Digital Game Association (JDIGITAL) overturned most of these restrictions. The ban on sports and sponsors is still left, and operators are forbidden to be sponsors of sports events and other events that minors may see.

Portugal completely regulates the land bass and the online gambling market. The industry has not yet recovered due to the great recession. Since the license system was introduced in 2016, the tax rate of local businesses has been very high.

These are reflected in the fact that the market share of no n-license operators, which may provide better returns, is a problem.

San Marino

Gambling is regulated by SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação E Inspeção de Jogos), and its legal frameworks include a series of Cabinet ordinances that update the law 422/89, which is particularly important. 2015.

Vatican City

The stat e-owned Santa Casa Da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML) monopolizes lottery and sports betting.

Operators can obtain a license to provide casino games, fixed odds sports betting, Paris Mewel, fixed odds horse racing, and bingo.

Malta

The rates are 12. 000 euros (but bingo is 2. 000 euros), and the approval of the technical system is 18. 000 euros. 000 euros. Additional charges are incurred for each type of game provided.

The online casino tax rate is 25 % of the GGR and the rate of betting is 8 % of the sales.

The regulation framework for the Italian online gambling market is a patchwork of laws developed over the past 20 years, and has been widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive worlds in the world.

It is implemented by Agenzia Delle Dogane E-Dei Monopoli (ADM) and has strict regulations on both management and advertising to protect players.

Local licenses are not updated, have a valid period in advance, and can only be obtained by competitive procedures that are opened at any time if the government determines that it is necessary. In the current bidding, the starting price is set to 2. 5 million euros, and the license is very expensive. However, by acquiring this license, operators will get access to the EU's largest gambling market.