The online gambling industry in 2025 is stronger than it has ever been. Numerous countries have legalized sports betting and online casinos, and many more are taking the necessary steps to open their doors to this industry. Whether it’s to boost tourism, add extra tax revenue, or something else, there’s no arguing that iGaming is developing fast.
Although the US has the largest gambling market in the world, we at Nostrabet.com also know that the European iGaming scene is very important. It’s safe to say that Europe has the most developed online gambling market in the world, which offers many options. Most countries regulate the industry somehow, so it’s time to look at the situation in 2025.
We are about to cover some of the most intriguing gambling laws, different age restrictions, responsible gambling efforts, and more. Let’s dive in.
European iGaming Regulations in 2025
People use the term iGaming for different things, but it usually includes the following: sports betting, online casinos, lotteries, and poker. Some countries have separate regulations for each of these categories. Others, however, put them under the same umbrella and have regulations about everything.
In 2025, every country in Europe will have the freedom to decide what to do with the iGaming industry and whether to allow it or not. The European Union has specific guidelines, but those who are a part of it can decide what to do. We won’t dive deep into every single state, but here are a few examples that might be interesting:
- United Kingdom – The UK has one of the largest iGaming industries in the world, with a GGR of $18.7B as of 2023. It is one of the most regulated markets in Europe, and people can access both sports betting options and casino games. With that said, the country has a comprehensive licensing system that requires operators to obtain a permit from the UKGC.
- Netherlands – The Netherlands is another country where gambling is legal and heavily regulated. What’s interesting here is that online gambling became legal in 2021. Nowadays, companies wishing to operate in this jurisdiction must obtain a local license.
- Germany – The situation in Germany is really interesting because online gambling is partially legal. Companies that wish to operate must adhere to the very strict regulations and licensing conditions.
- Bulgaria – Despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe in terms of population, Bulgaria has a booming iGaming market. Both sports betting and online casinos are legal, and sites wishing to operate must obtain a permit from the state’s gambling authority.
- Denmark – The Danish online gambling market is fully regulated, and companies can offer their services after getting a license.
The Gambling Authorities
All European countries that allow gambling in various forms have some kind of local regulator. This institution is responsible for ensuring that the companies offering such services follow the necessary rules. Moreover, the commissions regulate the iGaming industry by introducing different requirements and limitations.
The stats for 2025 show that there are a lot of different gambling regulators in Europe. With that said, here is a list of some of the more popular ones:
- UK Gambling Commission – This is the entity that regulates gambling in the UK. As mentioned, the country has one of the largest gambling markets worldwide, and every site wishing to be a part of it must obtain a UKGC license.
- Italy – Italy has a regulator called AAMS that is responsible for all sorts of gambling in the country. Sites wishing to offer sports betting, poker, and online casinos must get a license to operate there.
- Swedish Gambling Authority – Also known as the Spelinspektionen, this institution ensures that the Swedish gambling market is legal, reliable, and safe. Stats reveal that the gambling market in Sweden will reach close to $5.4B by the end of 2025, meaning the country is an important attraction for many different sites.
- Germany – The situation in Europe’s largest economy is interesting and similar to that in the US. Although the country recently “liberalized” its gambling laws, every state has the freedom to add its own regulations. Consequently, some forms of iGaming activities may be legal or illegal in different parts of the country.
Age Limit in iGaming Across Europe
One of the key regulations in every country around the world in terms of gambling is the one related to the age limit. Underaged gambling is frowned upon everywhere, and Europe is definitely not an exception.
From our analysis and tests, the minimum legal age to take part in gambling activities across Europe is between 18 and 21. Bulgaria, for example, has a minimum gambling age of 18, whereas people in Ukraine must be at least 21 if they wish to gamble. Having said that, 18 seems to be the more common limitation among European countries.
The idea behind having an age limit to gambling is to protect those who can’t comprehend the dangers associated with gambling. Operators who fail to make sure that underage people can access their sites face severe penalties. Some European countries can even remove licenses, which is why most companies follow strict rules.
The Gambling Licenses
As mentioned, every European country has different gambling laws that companies and individuals must follow. To ensure that everyone adheres to these regulations, countries also have specific gambling authorities. The latter issue licenses that casinos and bookies need if they wish to provide their services within the specific regulations.
Licensing is a crucial aspect of iGaming. It established a legal framework that brands must adhere to. The license itself is a form of certificate issued by the specific regulating authority that allows the given company to offer its services legally within a given jurisdiction. There are different types of licenses, but most are temporary and last up to several years.
When a site has a license, it follows the country’s regulations. That site has taken the necessary anti-fraud measures and player protection options. What’s more, licensed operators also promote responsible gambling by offering different tools, limitations, and information.
Although each country has its own license authority, some countries also allow operators with a different EU license to provide their services within their territory. Malta is a great example of this because the Malta Gaming Authority is one of the business’s most recognizable and respected gambling regulators. The same is true for the UKGC and the Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority).
Responsible Gambling in the EU
After briefly touching on this topic earlier, I think responsible gambling deserves more attention in the context of iGaming in the EU. It’s safe to say that Europe has been at the forefront of the “responsible gambling movement” over the last couple of years. Even though this has always been important, regulators started enforcing stricter rules a few years ago. Consequently, all modern iGaming operators have way more features and options for responsible gambling than others.
Alongside the many features and options, there are authorities that specialize in responsible gambling. The Gaming Regulators European Forum is among them, and the latter consists of people from various gaming control authorities. The idea here is for these people to come together and shaire their practicses and provide mutual support.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Cybersecurity
These two pillars are of utmost importance for the iGaming industry in Europe and worldwide. Anti-money laundering is one of the key aspects that regulators and governments focus on in the context of iGaming. Countries have taken drastic measures to reduce the money laundering processes in iGaming, which is clear from the operators’ requirements.
For those of you who don’t know, people who use an iGaming platform often have to show proof of funds. People also have to verify their identity and address and may even need to provide other documents. Those steps (known as KYC = Know Your Customer) are needed because of the Fourth and Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directives from the EU.
Cybersecurity is another hot topic in Europe’s iGaming industry. All countries have strict standards that operators must follow if they wish to offer their services. Companies must take the necessary measures to protect their clients’ data and prevent unauthorized access. Almost all gambling commissions in Europe have specific cybersecurity guidelines that sites need to follow. Those who fail to comply risk losing their permit.
To achieve this goal, websites use advanced firewalls, sophisticated encryption methods, and more. Many companies also have in-house teams that test all security systems and ensure their proper operation.
Closing Thoughts
No one can deny that the iGaming business in Europe is evolving. New bookies and casinos open daily, and regulators implement new security measures and regulations regularly.
People wishing to gamble online will appreciate all the efforts to ensure a safe and fun experience. Those wishing to do business, however, must be careful when navigating the legal landscape. There are tons of regulations, restrictions, and requirements that iGaming business owners must adhere to, so it is advisable to take the time and learn more about everything.
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