iGaming today is a dynamically changing sphere. Many EU countries are establishing regulatory frameworks for operators and software developers to create a sustainable, safe, and booming industry. This shift enables niche businesses to profit and grow, while ensuring player protection and generating significant revenue for governments.
Casino Market has explored the situation across major regional jurisdictions and revealed key details in this article. In addition to informational support, we help entrepreneurs launch successful gambling startups worldwide.
Great Britain Leads the Pace
The state is one of the best examples of how to manage the gaming sector responsibly. Other European countries, such as Italy and Spain, have followed the UK’s example and aim to create a similarly secure and well-regulated environment. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom remains the leader in supervision matters.
Key notions to remember when opening a gambling business in Great Britain:
- Authority. The governance of iGaming is primarily the responsibility of the UKGC. This organisation ensures that businesses, from the National Lottery to domestic and global online casinos, comply with strict laws.
- Sensible approach. Among other things, the authority emphasises responsible practices, requiring all locally licensed websites to offer players bet limits and self-exclusion options.
- Advertisement restrictions. The Gambling Act 2014 prohibits internet amusement platforms without a British permit from promoting services to residents.
Industry Regulation in Spain
The country brought iGaming under control years ago, passing the Law 13/2011, which laid the foundation for a well-supervised online casino market. In July 2014, licensed niche projects were allowed to offer slots and betting.
To operate in the state, companies must obtain a permit from the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). The authority has a strong focus on player protection and responsible practices. For instance, gambling ads must include risk warnings to raise public awareness.
Some other nuances of working in the country:
- a uniform 20% tax on digital gross revenue;
- a licensing package of general and vertical-specific permits;
- obligatory certification for platforms and RNGs by approved testing labs;
- a strong focus on compliance, strict enforcement, and heavy penalties for violations.
Italian Web Entertainment Market
Domestic iGaming was prohibited until 2006, when, under pressure from the European Commission, things began to change. Later, the nation allowed online skill-based content (e.g. internet poker tournaments), and then, other categories were regulated.
The sector is supervised by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). The organisation meticulously checks legal compliance. Unauthorised brands are subject to instant penalties and a lack of trust from the population.
Other peculiarities of the market:
- a concession-based licensing system (7-year permits);
- an obligation to connect projects to ADM’s monitoring platform;
- orientation towards reducing fragmentation in favour of larger firms;
- strict AML requirements (KYC checks, timely reporting, payment tracking).
Situation in Other European Destinations
Bulgaria is also among the jurisdictions that have revised their industry legislation. In past years, the local authorities blacklisted several major operators for violations. In 2021, the state updated its Gambling Act, clarifying licensing for online casinos and sportsbooks, introducing stricter AML obligations, and centralising oversight under the State Commission.
In 2012, Denmark felt the need to amend its gaming legislation to allow foreign brands to enter and eliminate the monopoly. In 2021–2022, the domestic sector faced regulatory tightening. The package of new standards contained rules on ads, restrictions on incentives, and customer protection measures enforced by Spillemyndigheden.
In 2019, Sweden also replaced its monopoly with a competitive licensing regime for web operators. Later, the local authority enhanced bonus limits and responsible play controls.
The Netherlands' gambling laws were revised in recent years as well. An act managing remote entertainment brands entered into force in 2021, opening the Dutch online market to licensed private investors. Kansspelautoriteit is responsible for oversight of the new structure that followed years of a monopoly-based model.
How Operators Adapt to Changes
As more European countries revise iGaming regulations, leading digital casinos are striving to improve their offerings and keep pace with the innovations. Established corporations work hard to stay ahead, comply with legal requirements, and remain competitive.
Recognising the need to adapt to new realities, niche companies implement a wide variety of sports bets, casino titles, internet poker, and other content categories. Furthermore, operators provide comprehensive mental health support programs and helpful links for players.
The Main Things About Gaming Shifts in Europe
In recent years, rules governing web casinos and sportsbooks have changed across the region. Despite a tightening legal environment, niche studios stay afloat through adaptive strategies and timely business adjustments.
Let us review the major notions from this article:
- The European iGaming sector has become increasingly regulated, with governments establishing frameworks to ensure user protection, responsible practices, and sustainable industry growth.
- Licensing and supervision are central to market stability, requiring entrepreneurs to comply with strict rules on platform certification, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling.
- Brands adapt to changing standards by diversifying offerings, enhancing product quality, and integrating player support services (mental health links, self-exclusion tools).
- Advertising is closely monitored, with restrictions imposed on some promotions and public risk awareness messages to ensure consumer safety.
- Regulatory evolution has encouraged operators to innovate, comply rigorously, and remain competitive in jurisdictions that are increasingly structured and closely supervised.
Feel free to contact our managers if you would like to order the development of a turnkey iGaming startup. We will also create a compliant, profitable business growth strategy to ensure a smooth debut or expansion.
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