Online Casino Guides – Rules & Highlights – Europe, 2023

This guide, brought to you by Onlinecasinoinfo.eu team, is designed to cater to casino players, offering clear and essential information on various aspects and subjects related to online casinos and gambling in Europe, such as:

  • Gambling regulations and overseeing authorities
  • Minimum age requirements for playing
  • Legal forms of online gambling (e.g., sports betting, casino games, poker)
  • Top online casinos in each European country
  • Popular casino games and software providers
  • Attractive online casino bonuses and promotions
  • Commonly used payment methods
  • Measures against unlicensed casino sites
  • Public opinion and social attitudes towards gambling
  • EU online casino market overview and statistics

Legalities, Top Casinos & Game Offerings Across Europe

Licensing and Regulation Information

The regulation and licensing of online casinos in the EU is largely handled at the national level and is not governed by any specific EU gambling legislation. In most European countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and others, it’s required for gambling operators to obtain gaming licenses from local regulators in order to operate legally.

AustriaMinistry of Finance
BelgiumGaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie)
BulgariaNational Revenue Agency
CroatiaMinistry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia
CyprusCyprus Gaming Commission
CzechiaMinistry of Finance of the Czech Republic
DenmarkDanish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden)
EstoniaEstonian Tax and Customs Board
FinlandMinistry of the Interior (Sisäministeriö)
FranceRegulatory Authority for Online Games (ARJEL)
GermanyGlücksspielbehörde (GGL)
GreeceHellenic Gaming Commission (HGC)
HungarySupervisory Authority for Regulated Activities
IrelandThe Department of Justice
ItalyAutonomous Administration of State Monopolies (ADM)
LatviaLotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection
LuxembourgMinistry of Justice
MaltaMalta Gaming Authority
NorwayNorwegian Gaming Authority (Lotteritilsynet)
PolandThe Ministry of Finance
NetherlandsThe Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit)
RomaniaNational Gambling Office (ONJN)
SlovakiaMinistry of Finance of the Slovak Republic
SloveniaFinancial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS)
SpainDirectorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ)
SwedenThe Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)
SwitzerlandSwiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA)
United KingdomThe Gambling Commission (UKGC)

European Online Casino Market Overview and Statistics

According to Statista, the following key statistics provide an insight into the future potential of the industry:

  • Revenue in the online casinos market is projected to reach US$19.20bn in 2023
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 5.08%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$23.41bn by 2027
  • In the online casinos market, the number of users is expected to amount to 36.91m users by 2027

These statistics highlight the significant potential and growth of the online casino market in Europe, driven by advancements in technology, increasing internet penetration, and the gradual liberalization of gambling regulations across the region.

How to Choose the Best Casino for Optimal Play?

Follow these 9 steps.

Time Needed
20 Minutes
Tools Needed
PC, Laptop, Tablet, or Smartphone
Software Needed
Email

Safety and Security Symbol

1. Security & Gaming Licence
Check that the site you’re going to play at has an SSL certificate and is licenced by at least one gambling regulatory body. For mor information, see EU Casino data security standards.

Euro Banknote Icon

2. Banking Options
Make sure the casino offers suitable banking methods for your country before signing up.

Special Bonus Offer

3. Casino Bonus
Before accepting any casino bonus, always check the wagering requirements (WR) and game restrictions.

Casino Games

4. Casino Games
Check if the casino site offers the games you want to play.

Return Percentage

5. Payout Rate (RTP)
Ensure your favourite game runs at the highest RTP to increase your chances of winning.

Software

6. Casino Software
Ensure your chosen online casino uses the desired software (Nolimit City, EGT, Netent, Gamomat, etc.).

Support Symbol

7. Customer Support
Check if the casino customer service is available 24/7 and supports multiple European languages.

Mobile Icon

8. Mobile Compatibility
If you prefer playing on your mobile phone, make sure the casino has a mobile-friendly platform or a dedicated gambling app.

Loyalty Percent

9. Loyalty Programs
Consider the quality of the casino’s VIP or loyalty program if you are a regular player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on online gambling in specific European countries?
Yes, there are restrictions on online gambling in specific European countries. Some countries have banned online gambling entirely, while others have implemented strict regulations and licensing requirements.
Who can play at online casinos in Europe?
The gambling laws in each European country are different; hence the list of countries accepted by online casinos in Europe varies widely. However, most of the top casino sites accept customers from all around Europe, including players from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
How do I know if an online casino is reputable and trustworthy?
You can determine if an online casino is reputable and trustworthy by checking their licensing and regulatory information, reading reviews from other gamblers, and ensuring they use popular payment methods.
What European country has the best online casinos?
Online casinos with solid reputations are found in countries like Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, which have strong reputations in the European gaming industry. These countries offer fair gambling laws, reliable licensing organizations, and excellent player protection.
What is the biggest European gambling site?
Founded in 2000 by Denise Coates, Bet365 is the largest online gambling site in Europe and the most visited casino website on the planet, according to a ‘Similarweb.com dataset’. It’s an international platform available in over 200 countries, including numerous EU nations, with strict online gambling regulations, such as Italy, Hungary, Romania, the Netherlands, Greece, and Hungary.
What are the most popular games offered to players in Europe?
The most popular games offered at online casinos are slots, blackjack, roulette, and live casino games.
How to ensure safety when gambling online in Europe?
You can ensure the safety and security of your personal and financial information when gambling online by choosing a popular online casino among players that accept widely used payment methods and work with reputable software providers.
How do online casinos in Europe protect their customers from addiction?
Reputable online casinos offer on-site resources for responsible gambling and managing addiction, including self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and also external links to support groups, counseling services, and information for problem gambling help to EU local resources and international such as Gamblers Anonymous and Gamblingtherapy.org
Are European and EU casinos the same?
EU casinos are those that serve players from countries within the European Union. The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states, which were formally established on 7 February 1992 with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. The member states are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
European casinos, on the other hand, are online casinos that serve players from all over Europe, including but not limited to the countries listed above. So, while all EU casinos are European casinos, not all European casinos are EU casinos.
Which European countries gamble the most?
The United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands are European countries that gamble the most, according to statista.com, based on the highest gross gaming revenue (GGR).
What is the gambling age in Europe?
In Europe, the legal gambling age varies by country. Most countries set the age limit at 18, but Estonia and Belgium require a minimum age of 21, and Greece requires a minimum age of 23.
What are foreign gambling sites?
Foreign gambling sites are online casinos, also known as “international casinos” and “non-EU casinos.” They may provide gambling entertainment options to players from European countries but are not subject to the same regulatory compliance as casino sites regulated in Europe.
Who regulates the European gambling market?
Online gambling is not uniform across the European Union. Each member state has considerable discretion in determining the structure of its gambling industry and is primarily responsible for regulating and licensing online gambling within its borders.
For example, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) regulates the Swedish gambling market, while in Denmark, it’s the Danish Gaming Authority (Spillemyndigheden) that regulates the market, and in the Netherlands, it’s the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit).

Have more questions? See our dedicated European online casino FAQ page.