Europe NEWS

Spelinspektionen backs credit gambling ban, seeks clarity

The Swedish Gambling Authority supports a credit gambling ban, requests clear impact analysis on charitable lotteries, and seeks precise scope definition.

Banning gambling ads “is a lose-lose game”

In a recent gathering of industry experts, the closing panel of "Market Expert Insights" discussed cross-border advertising bans in the gambling industry. The panel featured Robert Zammit, Partner at WH Partners; Quirino Mancini, President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL); Joerg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law; and Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner at Simion & Partners.

Implications of proposed gambling tax hike in Netherlands

The Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) has expressed serious concerns over the proposed increase in gambling tax from 30.5 percent to 37.8 percent by a potential new coalition government in the Netherlands. This coalition comprises the Party for Freedom (PVV), the Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the New Social Contract party (NSC), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).

How EU elections may impact online gaming regulation

Online gambling regulations across the European Union (EU) make up a diverse patchwork of regulatory frameworks, reflecting the varying socio-cultural contexts and public policy objectives of each member state. These national regulatory systems must, however, comply with overarching EU law as determined by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Impact of European Elections The regulatory frameworks for online gambling in the EU can also be influenced by the outcomes of EU elections. The EU has the authority to introduce common rules for online gambling, although achieving political consensus on this issue can be challenging. EU elections may shift the balance of power and influence regulatory policy directions. A political group prioritizing consumer protection and public health might push for stricter regulations and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Conversely, a group focused on economic growth and innovation might advocate for more liberal regulatory frameworks, potentially easing restrictions and encouraging market expansion. Influence on the CJEU and EU Law EU elections also affect the interpretation and enforcement of existing EU laws related to online gambling. Changes in the political landscape can lead to shifts in the composition of the CJEU, potentially influencing its rulings on the compliance of national regulatory frameworks with EU law. These judicial decisions play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment across member states. Broader Economic and Policy Impacts The results of EU elections can indirectly affect the online gambling industry through broader economic policies. A pro-business EU stance might result in policies that favour the growth and competitiveness of the online gambling sector, while a consumer-centric approach could lead to more stringent regulations aimed at protecting gamblers and reducing the risks associated with online gambling. This table here provides a concise overview of the online gambling regulations in various EU countries. CountryOnline Gambling Regulation✅AustriaMonopolized online casino gaming.✅BelgiumLegal online gaming with partnership and licensing requirements.✅BulgariaLegal online gambling with EU licence.✅CroatiaLegal and regulated online gambling.🟡CyprusOnly sports betting is legal.✅Czech RepublicLegal and regulated online gambling with local entity requirement.✅DenmarkLegal online gambling with licensing system.✅EstoniaLegal and regulated online gambling with licence requirement.🟡FinlandState-owned entities only.🟡FranceOnly sports betting and poker are legal.🟡GermanyPartially legal online gambling with strict regulations.✅GreeceLegal and regulated online gambling.HungaryOnly state-controlled organizations can operate casinos.✅IrelandLegal online gambling with EU licence.✅ItalyLegal and regulated online gambling.✅LatviaLegal and regulated online gambling.✅LithuaniaLegal online gambling with strict regulations.❌LuxembourgOnline casino gaming is illegal.✅MaltaLegal and highly regulated online gaming hub.✅NetherlandsLegal and regulated online gambling since 2021.🟡PolandPartially legal online gambling with state monopoly.✅PortugalLegal and regulated online gambling.✅RomaniaLegal and regulated online gambling.Source: SiGMA ✅Legal 🟡Partially legal or state owned ❌ Illegal National regulatory frameworks and monopoly systems In countries like Austria and Finland, online gambling is largely monopolized. Austria has limited options for private operators, maintaining tight control over online casino gaming. Similarly, Finland restricts gambling services to state-owned entities, ensuring state control over the industry. Several countries have opted for strict licensing systems to regulate online gambling. Belgium requires online gaming operators to partner with existing land-based casinos and adhere to stringent licensing requirements. Denmark, Estonia, and Italy also maintain regulated markets where operators must obtain licenses to offer online gambling services. Other countries have legalized online gambling but enforce specific regulatory frameworks. Bulgaria allows online gambling but requires operators to obtain a licence from another EU country. Croatia, Greece, Latvia, and Lithuania have established their licensing systems to regulate the market. Malta is a notable hub for online gaming, with a highly regulated environment and licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. Some EU countries have a mixed approach. Germany has partially legalized online gambling with strict regulations and licensing requirements. Poland operates a state monopoly on certain gambling activities, with partial legalization and stringent regulations for online gambling. In contrast, several countries have stringent restrictions or outright bans on online casino gaming. Cyprus only permits sports betting, making other forms of online casino games illegal. France allows sports betting and poker but bans online casinos. Luxembourg has a blanket ban on online casino gaming.

Betnation selects Metric Gaming for Netherlands sportsbook launch   

Betnation, a leading online casino in the Netherlands, has announced its venture into sports betting through a collaboration with British-based sportsbook provider Metric Gaming and platform provider Bragg. This strategic move highlights Betnation’s dedication to offering engaging and responsible gambling experiences.   In a press release, Betnation said the newly launched Dutch sportsbook boasts a…

UK Government publishes new regulation for land based casinos

The UK land-based gambling sector has faced significant challenges in recent years due to business inactivity during periods of COVID-19 restrictions and rising operating costs. As a result, many venues have closed, impacting local communities through the loss of jobs and decreased economic activity. The government hopes that these new measures will help to revitalize…

Changes in Finland’s gambling regulation from 2026

Jan Hagelberg, the Senior Vice President of International Business at Finland’s Veikkaus, (photo above), has projected that the Finnish authorities will commence the issuance of gambling licenses by September 2026. Hagelberg expressed confidence in the thriving future of Veikkaus post-market launch, stating, “We understand the business, and there’s a lot happening: technological advancements, responsibilities, platforms,…

Blask revolutionizes iGaming analytics with AI-powered insights

Blask, a pioneering company in iGaming analytics from Limassol, Cyprus, is excited to announce the launch of its AI-based market analytics tool designed specifically for the iGaming industry. This cutting-edge solution empowers iGaming operators, affiliates, and platform providers with unparalleled clarity about the market and their performance within it, revolutionizing their brand marketing approach and…

Third UK White Paper consultation to focus exclusively on land-based sector

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) confirmed that the third White Paper consultation will focus entirely on the land-based gaming sector. Speaking at the Bingo Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024, Rhodes provided insights into the implementation of the Gambling Act Review White Paper. Rhodes addressed the audience, highlighting the importance…

The Top 5: Baby Lasagna with best Eurovision 2024 odds

Croatian Baby Lasagna is the hot favourite for the Eurovision final, and it’s creating quite a buzz! “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” wasn’t even supposed to be in the running at Croatia’s Dora event. It all happened because another singer, Zsa Zsa, had to pull out last minute. Baby Lasagna’s performance is a crazy mix of…